Tunisia /
The Tunisian athlete Eya Guezguezwho represented his country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the sailing test, He died at the age of 17 in an accident that occurred when he was training with the national team, authorities announced on Monday.
The event occurred when the sailboat he used with his twin sister Sarra capsized as a result of the strong wind. Eya drowned, while his sister was able to be rescued.
The sisters, aged 16, were the youngest athletes to participate in Tokyo 2020, a Games held in the summer of 2021.
“I am dismayed by the news of the death of sailor Eya Guezguez. He was an inspiring talent and a role model for his generation. His participation in Tokyo 2020 together with his twin sister Sarra will continue to motivate young women around the world, “said the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach in a message released through the body’s website.
Olympic sailor Eya Guezguez of Tunisia has died aged 17 following a training accident.
IOC President Thomas Bach said, “She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes’ generation.”https://t.co/JoexN0E5UV
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) April 11, 2022
“Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and the Tunisian Olympic community,” Bach added.
The tragic accident occurs less than a year following the two sisters participated in the Olympics, in the 49er FX sailing category, where they finished in 21st place.
ZZM
