The Olympic community is in mourning after Samoa’s national boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito died aged 60.
Fatupaito reportedly suffered a massive heart attack at the Olympic Village prior to the opening ceremony in Paris on Friday, with the Samoan team holding a prayer in his honour.
He was in Paris to help coach Sydney-born Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, the only boxer competing for Samoa at the Olympics.
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“No words can express how I feel but rest in love coach Lionel,” the athlete wrote, calling Fatupaito ‘Grand Master’.
Plodzicki-Faoagali, who is also coached by his father, will fight through the grief when his campaign gets underway on Sunday night (Monday AEST).
“I first met coach Lionel when I was 15 trialling for Samoa’s youth team,” he said.
“He was a kind and generous coach, not only with his time, material things, but also his knowledge. You will be sorely missed coach.
“Your dream was to attend an Olympics with me and dad, now you’ve left too early. We haven’t had our first fight at the Olympics like we planned!
“Rest well old man, gonna miss you out there, you were the calm one and dad the storm of our corner.”
Samoa’s Olympic Committee president Pauga Talalelei Pauga paid tribute to Fatupaito.
“Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal,” he said.
“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 International Boxing Association extended its “heartfelt condolences”.
“Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community,” the IBA said.
“His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss.”
Marist Boxing in Samoa said it was “heartbroken and speechless” by the news of Fatupaito’s death.
“A cherished friend, father, brother, and coach, his legacy will live on. Our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the club wrote.
“Fly high, Coach Lionel. Your profound impact on Marist and Samoa boxing will forever be remembered. You will be deeply missed.”
Plodzicki-Faoagali made his debut at Tokyo three years ago but was injured in his first and only fight.
He is a dual Commonwealth Games silver medallist, finishing runner-up in light heavyweight at Gold Coast 2018 before moving up to heavyweight for Birmingham 2022.