Samoa’s national boxing coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito, died on July 26. He died at age 60 at the Paris Olympic Village.
He died from cardiac arrest, a little bit before the opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic games.
Emergency services treated the coach; but, were not able to save him. Local officials said Fatupaito died from natural causes.
The International Boxing Association put out 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.”
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There is one Samoan boxer competing in the Olympics, it is heavyweight boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali (25). In 2023, he won a gold medal at the Pacific Games. Plodzicki-Faoagali posted a message on social media about his coach.
“I first met coach Lionel when I was 15 trialing for Samoa’s Youth team. He was a kind and generous coach, not only with his time, material things, but also his knowledge. You will be sorely missed coach … Rest well old man, gonna miss you out there, you were the calm one and added to the storm of our corner.”
Samoa has 24 athletes competing in the 2024 Olympics.
The boxing events start Saturday.
