Samoa's national boxing coach has passed away. Paris Olympic Villageofficials said on Saturday.
Lionel Erika Fatupaito died of a heart attack on Friday, just before the 2024 Olympics. Opening ceremonyThe AFP reported.
According to AFP, emergency services treated Fatupaito but were unable to save his life, and local prosecutors said he “died of natural causes”.
“Lionel's dedication and passion for the sport left an indelible mark on the boxing world,” the International Boxing Association said in a news release. “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
International Boxing Association
Olympic Boxing Qualifiers The event began on Saturday.
There is only one Samoan athlete competing in boxing: heavyweight boxer Ato Prozicki Faoagali, 25, who won a gold medal at the 2023 Pacific Games and competed in the Tokyo Olympics, according to Australian media.
Prozicki Faoagali said on social media that he first met Fatupaito when he was both playing for Samoa's youth boxing team.
“I first met Coach Lionel when I was 15 and on a trial with Samoa's youth team. He was a kind and generous coach, generous not only with his time and resources but also with his knowledge,” Prozicki Faoagali wrote alongside a photo of himself and Fatupaito. “We will truly miss you Coach. Rest in peace we will miss you. You were a calm and a storm in our corner Dad.”
Pacific Island nations have 24 players. Competing in Paris This summer.
