Samoan boxer Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali has been devastated by the recent death of his coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito, who passed away just hours before Plodzicki-Faoagali’s opening match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This loss is particularly poignant for Plodzicki-Faoagali, who is Samoa's sole boxing representative in the Games and has already endured significant personal grief, having lost his mother during the Tokyo Olympics three years earlier.
Lionel Elika Fatupaito, a cherished figure in Samoan sports, collapsed and went into cardiac arrest on Friday morning in the Games Village, dying at the age of 60.
His death was confirmed by the Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), which expressed profound sorrow and assured the 24 athletes in Samoa’s delegation of their support during this difficult time.
The International Olympic Committee also conveyed their condolences, noting that Fatupaito’s death was due to natural causes.
Plodzicki-Faoagali, a two-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist, took to social media to honor his late coach.
He wrote: "He was a kind and generous coach, not only with his time, material things, but also his knowledge."
The boxer reminisced about meeting Lionel at the age of 15 during trials for Samoa's Youth team, expressing his grief with the heartfelt message: "You will be sorely missed coach... Rest well old man, gonna miss you out there."
Just 48 hours after receiving the devastating news, Plodzicki-Faoagali faced Belgium's Victor Schelstraete in his first bout of the 2024 Olympics. Under the immense emotional strain, he was unable to secure a victory. His father and the Papua New Guinea coach stepped in to support him during the match.
This tragedy follows a similar experience in Tokyo, where Plodzicki-Faoagali was competing when he learned of his mother Monica's death. His father had chosen to withhold the news to avoid impacting his performance.
In a tribute shared by Marist Boxing - Samoa, Lionel’s family expressed their support for Plodzicki-Faoagali. They posted: "Toa le loto Ato! Manuia le taaloga. Love from the Fatupaito Family and Lionel Fatupaito."
Reflecting on the challenges of the past week, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali remarked: "Losing my friend and national coach, arriving so late to acclimatise, and mentally it took its toll."
He continued: "As much as I wanted to pull out of the games, I did not want to let Samoa, coach, sponsors, and family down."
He concluded with a message to his homeland: "Samoa, I gave it what I could honestly, it wasn't my best, but fought my heart out for you!"
Supporters and fellow athletes have rallied around Plodzicki-Faoagali, offering their condolences and praise.
One supporter noted: "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, paid tribute to Fatupaito, stating via The New York Times: "Lionel was one of Samoa's top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal."
The International Boxing Association also honored Fatupaito’s memory, 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."
