Samoa Boxing Coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito Dies at Paris Olympics
- Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the boxing coach for Samoa, tragically passed away in the Olympic Village during the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.
- His death was confirmed by the International Boxing Association, which extended condolences to his family and colleagues.
- Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali is the only Samoan boxer competing in this year's Olympics following the coach's untimely death.
PARIS – Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach for Samoa, has tragically passed away during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Reports indicate that Fatupaito, 60, suffered a heart attack in his room at the Olympic Village on Friday morning. The International Boxing Association (IBA) expressed its condolences, highlighting Fatupaito's dedication to the sport and his lasting impact on the boxing community. The IBA's statement emphasized that Fatupaito's legacy would continue to inspire future generations, extending thoughts and prayers to Team Samoa and all affected by this loss. Currently, heavyweight Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali is the sole Samoan boxer competing in the Olympics, set to face Belgium's Victor Schelstraete on Sunday. Fatupaito's death was confirmed by the President of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympics Committee, Luafalealo Paige Talalelei, who recognized him as one of Samoa's greatest boxing coaches. The Paris 2024 organizing committee also expressed their sorrow, stating that they were deeply saddened by the loss of a member of the Samoan delegation. Samoa is participating in its 11th consecutive Summer Olympics, with Plodzicki-Faoagali securing his spot in the heavyweight division after a successful performance at the 2023 Pacific Games. Tributes from the Samoan Olympic president, Pauga Talalelei Pauga, underscored Fatupaito's commitment to the Olympic ideals and his significant contributions to the sport.