Lionel Elika Fatupaito was to train the only Samoan boxer at the Olympics: Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali.
SAN LUIS POTOSÍ, Mexico.- The Boxing coach member of the Samoan delegation died in Paris on Friday, July 26, while he was in the Olympic Village.
Samoan Lionel Elika Fatupaito has died of cardiac arrest, media reported; he was in the Olympic Village on Friday morning when the tragedy occurred, the Olympic team announced on Saturday. International Boxing Association.
Fatupaito, 60, was to train the only Samoan boxer at the Olympics: Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali.
“We at the IBA extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the Samoan national boxing coach, who tragically passed away during Paris 2024,” the IBA statement said. International Boxing Association.
“Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport has 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,” he concluded.
Plodzicki-Faoagali, two-time Pacific Games heavyweight champion, who will face Belgian Victor Schelstraete on Sunday, left a heartfelt message on the death of his coach.
“There are no words to express how I feel, but rest in love, Coach Lionel,” the boxer wrote on Instagram.
Plodzicki-Faoagali, 25, is 2-0 as a professional boxer and won a gold medal at the 2023 Pacific Games.
He also competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he lost his only match against Belarusian Uladzislau Smiahlikau.
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