What happened to Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the Samoan boxing coach who died at Paris Olympics? IBA's statement, boxer's mental health struggle, and more

Last month, the combat sports world suffered a massive loss after Samoan boxing coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito passed away during the Paris Olympics at the Olympic Village. Fatupaito served as Samoa's national boxing coach and mentored the country's sole Olympic boxer, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali.

The 60-year-old was among the most well-known combat sports personalities in Samoa and was famous for his belief in the Olympic ideal. The International Boxing Association later confirmed his tragic death and also shared its deepest condolences for the veteran coach's family.

What happened to Lionel Elika Fatupaito?

Lionel Elika Fatupaito was at the Paris Olympics as the coach of the Samoan nation's sole boxer, the 25-year-old Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, who competed in the heavyweight division. On July 27, Fatupaito passed away due to natural causes while at the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis. While cardiac arrest was suspected as the cause of death, there has been no official confirmation of the same.

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Soon after Fatupaito's tragic death, the International Boxing Association (IBA) released a statement expressing their heartfelt condolences. The IBA release touched upon the veteran coach's dedication to the sport and read:

"We at the International Boxing Association (IBA) extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, who tragically passed away during the Paris 2024. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss."

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While Fatupaito's death sent shockwaves across the combat sports community, perhaps his star Olympian pupil was the most affected. The 25-year-old heavyweight boxer fought his way to the esteemed Olympic Games and was touted as a highly favored prospect to take home a medal for his nation.

However, the untimely death of his mentor ahead of his bout against Belgium's Victor Schelstraete left Plodzicki-Faoagali struggling mentally and emotionally. While he received help from Papua New Guinea's boxing coach, Peter Morrison, the Samoan boxer was beaten in a fight that left him bleeding from the cheek.

In the aftermath, he opened up about his mental state and dismissed the notion of thinking about medals. Sorrowful about his coach passing away, he stated:

"I was thinking about pulling out... It’s been hard. It’s been hard to stay strong. I’ve been struggling mentally the past few days. I thought I was going to win a medal for sure, but it’s been really hard mentally. I don’t care about the medal right now. Even through these hard times, I appreciate everyone. I’m going to come back stronger and chase my dreams." [H/T Rappler.com]

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Edited by C. Naik