Tragic loss of Sāmoan boxing coach at Paris Olympics

Boxing coach of the Sāmoan Olympics team has died in Paris.

Lionel Fatu Elika passed away the morning of Friday 26 July at the Games Village, according to the Sāmoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (NOC).

Sāmoa NOC President Pauga Talalelei Pauga said in the press statement that “Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympics”.

“Our thoughts and those of the entire Sāmoan sporting community are with Lionel’s family, his boxers, and friends. He will be greatly missed.”

President Pauga and NOC Secretary General Maureen Tuimalealiifano met with the Sāmoa delegation in the afternoon for a briefing and team prayer to reassure them ahead of the opening ceremony in Paris.

The Sāmoa NOC would not make any further statements on the matter.

PMN Olympics Correspondent James Nokise told Pacific Grandstand host Willie Poching the NOC had requested privacy for Lionel’s family and the athletes.

“Mr Elika’s athletes are still going to compete, there’s going to be a lot of passion in the Sāmoan boxing team going forward,” said Nokise.

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