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3 months ago
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Samoan boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali has been left shattered after his coach died just hours before his Olympics loss to Belgium's Victor Schelstraete - and just three years after losing his mum during the Tokyo Games.
Plodzicki-Faoagali is Samoa's only boxer in Paris and received the devastating news just before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games.
Lionel Elika Fatupaito, a beloved figure in Samoan sports, collapsed in the Games Village on Friday morning after going into cardiac arrest and died aged just 60, leaving the Samoan delegation and the boxing community in deep sorrow.
The Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) announced his passing, reassuring the 24 athletes in Samoa's delegation as they prepared for the competitions.
The International Olympic Committee expressed condolences, noting Lionel's death was due to natural causes.
Plodzicki-Faoagali, a two-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist, paid tribute to his coach on social media.
'He was a kind and generous coach, not only with his time, material things, but also his knowledge,' Ato wrote.
Boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito, 60, suffered a fatal heart attack just before the opening ceremony in Paris
Samoa's only boxer at the Games, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali (pictured), lost his coach and his fight in Paris and was left a broken man
Plodzicki-Faoagali and Elika Fatupaito were very close, linking up during his youth boxing days
Plodzicki-Faoagali recalled meeting Lionel at 15, when he trialled for Samoa's Youth team.
Ato expressed his grief, writing, 'You will be sorely missed coach... Rest well old man, gonna miss you out there.'
Ato's first fight in the 2024 Olympics was against Belgium's Victor Schelstraete, just 48 hours after Lionel's passing.
He was unable to record an emotional victory under the strain of his loss, with his father and the Papua New Guinea coach stepping in to his corner.
It also comes after he received the shattering news his mother Monica had passed while he was competing in Tokyo.
His father chose not to tell him at the time until he returned home, fearing it would affect his performance.
Plodzicki-Faoagali also lost his mother Monica while he was competing at the Tokyo Games
Plodzicki-Faoagali (right) fought valiantly but could not overcome Belgium's Victor Schelstraete following the loss of his coach
Marist Boxing - Samoa shared a tribute from Lionel's family, expressing support for Ato.
They posted, 'Toa le loto Ato! Manuia le taaloga. Love from the Fatupaito Family and Lionel Fatupaito.'
Reflecting on the week, Ato said, 'Losing my friend and national coach, arriving so late to acclimatise, and mentally it took its toll.'
'As much as I wanted to pull out of the games, I did not want to let Samoa, coach, sponsors, and family down.'
'Samoa, I gave it what I could honestly, it wasn't my best, but fought my heart out for you!'
Elika Fatupaito was well loved in the boxing and broader Samoan community with tributes flowing from around the world
Supporters and fellow athletes offered their condolences and tributes to both Ato and Lionel.
One supporter wrote, 'Thank you Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali for being the fine example that you are for our children. You have opened up doors and pathways for future generations to represent Samoa.'
Another added, 'Not many of us could have done what you had to do. Your coach and the whole of Samoa are very proud.'
Pauga Talalelei Pauga, president of the Samoa National Olympic Committee, also paid tribute, saying, 'Lionel was one of Samoa's top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal.'
The International Boxing Association echoed these sentiments, stating, 'Lionel's dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.'
English (US)