Tunisian Olympic Sailor Eya Guezguez Dies After Boat Capsizes
Tunisian sailor Eya Guezguez, who competed in the Tokyo Olympics last year, has died at the age of 17 after her boat capsized while training at sea with her twin sister Sarra, who survived the accident, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Monday.
Guezguez competed alongside her twin in Tokyo in the 49er FX event. The IOC said that the pair’s vessel capsized on Sunday as a result of strong winds, while they were training with the Tunisian national team. The IOC did not specify where the accident occurred.
IOC President Thomas Bach paid his respects to the young sailor.
“I am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez’s death. She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes’ generation,” Bach said in a statement.
“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.”
“I am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez’s death. She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes’ generation.”
IOC President Thomas Bach
1/2https://t.co/yPolrJ7VtS— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) April 11, 2022
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.
