The 2024 Olympic Games have only just begun, and there is already plenty of bad news coming out of Paris. Transport problems, poor environmental conditions, strikes, and even the performances at the opening ceremony have left many horrified. But all this is not the worst thing that has happened at the Games.

Alas, one of the teams suffered an irreparable loss. The Olympic team coach’s heart stopped beating a few hours before the opening of the Olympics in Paris.

“Our prayers are with the team”

The small island nation of Samoa has sent 24 athletes to the Paris Olympics. Half of the team are rugby players, while the rest of the athletes plan to compete in individual events. The only boxer, 24-year-old Ato Plodzicki-Faogali, will begin his quest for medals on July 28. His first opponent in the 1/8 finals in the 92 kg category should be Belgian Victor Schellstaert, who won bronze at the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade.

Plodzitsky-Faogali could hardly count on the status of a clear contender for the podium, and now the athlete will be able to achieve results only due to extreme motivation. On the very first day of the Games, Ato lost his coach: 60-year-old Lionel Elica died in the Olympic village just a few hours before the official opening ceremony.

Ato Plodzitsky-Faogali / Photo: © Eddie Keogh / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

— The IBA extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lionel, who tragically passed away during the Games. Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport left an indelible mark on the boxing community. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this tragic loss, — the statement on the website of the International Boxing Association (IBA) reads.

“I believed in the Olympic ideals”

Elika fell ill at about 10:20 Paris time, at which time the coach was with the athlete. According to France Press, the specialist was immediately given emergency medical assistance, but he could not be saved. According to preliminary results, death occurred as a result of cardiac arrest.

“Lionel was one of Samoa’s best boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideals. Our thoughts and the thoughts of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel’s family, his boxers and friends. We will miss him greatly,” The Mirror quotes Samoa NOC President Pauga Talalelei as saying.

The only Samoan boxer at the 2024 Olympics is now unlikely to have any problems with motivation. Perhaps his path at the Games will end at the very first fight, but it is worth assuming that the athlete will definitely try to give his all in every round so as not to disgrace the honor of his departed coach.