Lionel Fatu Elika, Samoa’s esteemed national boxing coach, has tragically passed away due to a cardiac arrest at the Olympic Village in Paris.
The incident occurred on the morning of July 26, and the news was confirmed by Pauga Talalelei Pauga, president of the Samoa National Olympic Committee (NOC).
Elika, recognized as one of Samoa’s leading boxing coaches, was a staunch supporter of the Olympic ideals.
His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Samoan sporting community.
In a statement shared by the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC), Mr Pauga expressed profound grief, saying, “Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal.
Our thoughts and those of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel’s family, his boxers, and friends. He will be greatly missed.”
The Samoa NOC Secretary General, Maureen Tuimalealiifano, alongside Mr Pauga, held a briefing and team prayer with the Samoan delegation ahead of the opening ceremony in Paris, as reported by ONOC.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) also extended its condolences, stating, “We at the International Boxing Association extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito.
His dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss.”
ONOC has announced that the Samoa NOC will not provide further statements on Elika’s death and has requested that the privacy of his family and the Samoan athletes be respected during this difficult period.
Emergency services were unable to revive Elika after he suffered cardiac arrest. Samoa, a Pacific Island nation, has 24 athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
