Eya Guezguez death: Youngest Olympian at Tokyo games dies aged 17
Tunisian was training with national team when the boat she and her twin were using capsized
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tunisian Olympic sailor Eya Guezguez, who was the youngest at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, has died at the age of 17 in an accident at sea.
The International Olympics Association said the Tunisian was training with the national team on Sunday when the boat she and her twin sister Sarra were using capsized.
The sisters finished 21st in the sailing 49er FX event at Tokyo 2020 at the age of 16. It is believed that they had set their sights on competing at Paris in 2024.
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, expressed his condolences in a statement.
“I am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez’s death. She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes’ generation,” he said. “Eya Guezguez’s participation at Tokyo 2020 alongside her twin sister Sarra will continue to motivate girls everywhere. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the Olympic community in Tunisia.”
The Tunisian Olympic Committee (CNOT) described her death as “a tragedy in the sports scene”.
It said Guezguez was training for upcoming regional and international competitions in a dinghy that capsized due to windy weather.
CNOT president Mehrez Boussayan said the sisters’ coach was beside them in a speedboat at the time of the accident, according to a local radio station.
The coach reportedly managed to help Sarra before locating Eya. He attempted to resuscitate Eya by administering CPR but did not succeed. She was then taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead due to drowning.
“May God have mercy on the deceased, grant her eternal rest in paradise, and grant her family and relatives and the entire sports family a beautiful patience and solace,” the CNOT said in a statement.
Her death has sparked outrage in the sporting community in Tunisia, with many raising questions about safety and management’s responsibility, reported BBC News.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments