PARIS, July 27 (Xinhua) — The team manager of the top-seeded men’s heavyweight boxer at the Paris Olympics, Lionel Elika Fatupaito, passed away at the Athletes’ Village in Saint-Denis on Friday morning. The Oceania regional group of Olympic national committees, representing Samoa, confirmed his death.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that Elika Fatupaito died of a cardiac arrest shortly before the Games’ Opening Ceremony. On Saturday, the IOC expressed its condolences to the Samoan National Olympic Committee, his family, and friends.
“Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community,” the International Boxing Association said in a news release. “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
Elika Fatupaito was supporting Samoa’s sole Olympic boxing entrant, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, a Pacific Games gold medalist. Plodzicki-Faoagali shared his grief on Instagram, referring to his coach as “Grand Master” and expressing profound sadness.
“I first met coach Lionel when I was 15 trialling for Samoa’s youth team. He was a kind and generous coach, not only with his time, material things, but also his knowledge,” Plodzicki-Faoagali wrote, alongside a photo of himself and Fatupaito on Instagram. “You will be sorely missed coach … Rest well old man, gonna miss you out there, you were the calm one and dad the storm of our corner.”
Plodzicki-Faoagali, a 25-year-old boxer born in Australia, is set to compete in the 92-kilogram category on Sunday against a Belgian opponent. This marks his second appearance at the Summer Games.
Pauga Talalelei Pauga, president of the Samoa National Olympic Committee, also paid tribute: “Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal.
“Our thoughts and those of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel’s family, his boxers, and friends. He will be greatly missed.”
The Paris 2024 Organizing Committee expressed deep sorrow over the death of a Samoan delegation member, extending their thoughts to his family, loved ones, and the entire delegation.
