Samoa’s national boxing coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito, tragically passed away after suffering from cardiac arrest on Friday in the Olympic Village. He was 60 years old.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) wrote in a statement:
We at the International Boxing Association (IBA) extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, who tragically passed away during the Paris 2024. Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss.
Fatupaito was in Paris to coach just one athlete, heavyweight Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali. This is Plodzicki’s second Olympics. He is the two-time Pacific Games champion. According to his Instagram story, he is still intending to compete starting on Sunday. He wrote on Instagram: “No words can express how I feel but rest in love coach Lionel.”
This may be boxing’s last appearance at the Olympics, as the IOC announced earlier this year that it will not appear in LA 2028.
Foul play?
cardboard beds?