A 60-year-old boxing coach has died of a heart attack while staying in the Olympic village.

Sadly, the Olympic village was hit with a devastating loss on Friday as Samoa's boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito passed away at the age of 60. The news came as a shock to the entire sporting community, just hours before the highly anticipated opening ceremony in Paris.

Fatupaito was in his room at around 10:20 a.m. when he suddenly fell ill. Despite the swift response from emergency services, it was reported that he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away due to natural causes. The Oceania National Olympic Committee released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of such a beloved and respected coach.

According to officials, Fatupaito was with one of his athletes when he fell ill. This athlete was later identified as Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, Samoa's only boxer in the competition. As a heavyweight boxer, Plodzicki-Faoagali has achieved great success in his career, winning gold medals in the Pacific Games and two silver medals in the Commonwealth Games. He looked up to Fatupaito as a mentor and coach who believed in the Olympic ideal and instilled that same belief in his athletes.

The president of the Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee, Pauga Talalelei Pauga, also paid tribute to Fatupaito, calling him one of Samoa's top boxing coaches. He acknowledged the great impact Fatupaito had on his boxers and the entire Samoan sporting community. It was clear that Fatupaito's presence will be sorely missed.

Plodzicki-Faoagali was scheduled to fight Belgium's Victor Schelstraete in the preliminary round on Sunday, but now he will have to do so without his beloved coach by his side. In a heartfelt tribute post on Instagram, Plodzicki-Faoagali shared a photo of himself with Fatupaito, expressing his deep sadness and love for his coach.

The International Boxing Association also released a statement, extending their condolences to Fatupaito's family, friends, and colleagues. They recognized his dedication and passion for the sport and how it had left a lasting impact on the boxing community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and he will always be remembered fondly.

The loss of Lionel Elika Fatupaito has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His passion for boxing and the Olympic ideal will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on through the athletes he coached and the memories he left behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this tragic loss. Rest in peace, Coach Lionel.

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