The Samoan Olympic boxing team is grappling with a heartbreaking loss. Lionel Elika Fatupaito, their esteemed coach, passed away on Friday, the 26th, in the athletes’ village in Seine-Saint-Denis, France.
The 60-year-old suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, casting a shadow over the Games. According to police reports, Fatupaito was in his room with an athlete when he fell ill around 10:20 a.m. Despite the swift response from firefighters and emergency medical services, he could not be saved. The cause of death has been confirmed as natural, and there are no legal obstacles to his burial. The investigation has been handed over to the Seine-Saint-Denis judicial police.
The International Boxing Federation (IBA) has expressed its heartfelt condolence in response to the tragedy. They celebrated Fatupaito’s unwavering dedication, highlighting that his passion and commitment to boxing “have left a lasting impression on the sport.” They further remarked that Fatupaito’s “legacy will continue to inspire future generations.” The Federation wrapped up its message with heartfelt sentiments: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss,” they wrote.
The Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) also released a statement about Fatupaito’s passing. They expressed their deepest regret and offered their heartfelt condolences. The committee reflected on his remarkable career, noting that Fatupaito was celebrated as a leading boxing coach. The committee President Mr. Pauga Talalelei Pauga also remembered Fatupaito as someone who strongly believed in the Olympic spirit.
Pauga shared that the thoughts of the entire Samoan sporting community were with Lionel’s family, emphasizing how deeply he would be missed. The Samoan NOC further said that no statements will be issued and has requested privacy for Lionel’s family and the athletes during this challenging time.
Plodzicki-Faoagali took to Instagram to share his emotional struggle, revealing that the past week had been incredibly challenging and mentally taxing, especially following the recent loss of his coach, Fatupaito. In his post, Plodzicki-Faoagali expressed the immense difficulty of coping with the loss of his coach and the late arrival that affected his preparation. Despite contemplating withdrawing from the games, he chose to compete out of dedication to Samoa, his coach, his sponsors, and his family.
He conveyed his heartfelt thanks to Samoa for their support and apologized for not performing at his best, while also paying tribute to his late coach, Fatupaito: “Thinking of you coach, wish you were here in the corner today,” he wrote.
Schelstraete, who engaged with Plodzicki-Faoagali before and after the match and showed respect by lifting his opponent’s arm in the ring, praised Plodzicki-Faoagali’s spirit. He acknowledged Plodzicki-Faoagali’s courage and dedication to honoring his late coach by competing. He noted the selflessness of coaches and expressed sadness that Plodzicki-Faoagali’s coach wasn’t there to experience the moment.
When asked about the challenge of the match, Schelstraete admitted he had to set his personal feelings aside, acknowledging his genuine sympathy for Plodzicki-Faoagali while maintaining focus on the fight.
Plodzicki-Faoagali also paid a heartfelt tribute to his coach in a moving post on Facebook. He reminisced about their journey together and the invaluable lessons learned from Fatupaito. Reflecting on their first meeting when he was just 15 and trialing for Samoa’s Youth team, Plodzicki-Faoagali described Coach Lionel as a figure of kindness and generosity, always willing to share his time, resources, and wisdom.
The post conveyed deep sorrow over the coach’s early departure, noting that they never had the chance to fulfill their dream of competing together at the Olympics. Plodzicki-Faoagali fondly remembered his coach as the calming force in their corner, contrasting with his own father’s fiery presence. He ended with a heartfelt farewell, expressing how profoundly he will be missed.
