Olympic Sailor Passes Away at 17 After Boat Capsizes During Training

Eya Guezguez, a Tunisian sailor who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has passed away at the age of 17.

Per The Guardian, the Olympian was sailing with her twin sister, Sarra, when their boat capsized in strong winds.

Eya died in the accident, while Sarra, who competed alongside her in the Summer Games in the 49er FX category, survived.

Per the BBC, Mehrez Boussayan, president of the Tunisian Olympic Committee (CNOT), told a local radio station that the sisters’ coach was alongside them in a speedboat at the time.

Eya and Sarra’s coach reportedly managed to help Sarra get out of the tangled rigging before reaching Eya. After the coach had attempted CPR, Eya was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said 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.”

“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,” he concluded.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Eya and Sarra, who were just 16 years old at the time, finished 21st in the 49er FX event.

Per People, the sisters reportedly had their sights set on competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Last June, Eya posted a picture of her and Sarra sitting on the Olympic rings in Japan.

“Olympic rings... a dream that came true,” she captioned the post.

Our condolences go out to Eya’s family and loved ones for their loss.

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