On Sunday, Tunisian Olympic sailor Eya Guezguez died when her boat capsized. The 17-year-old was training with her twin sister Sarra, who survived.
The International Olympic Committee announced Guezguez’s death on Monday, saying the boat capsized due to high winds.
IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement:
“I am shocked by the news of the death of sailor Eya Guezguez. She was an inspiring talent and a role model for her generation of athletes. Guezguez’s participation in Tokyo 2020 alongside her twin sister Sarra will continue to motivate the girls. from all over the world. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and the Olympic community in Tunisia.”
According to The Guardian, Tunisian Olympic Committee President Mehrez Boussayan spoke to a local radio station about the incident, saying the death occurred off the coast of Tunis in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Guezguez coach was near them on a speedboat when their boat capsized, according to the BBC. The report says he helped Sarra untangle herself from the rigging and then found Eya in the water. Reports say he attempted CPR, but was unable to resuscitate her. When Eya arrived at the hospital, she was pronounced dead by drowning.
The Guezguez finished 21st in the 49er FX event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and were thought to be hoping to return to the 2024 Olympics to compete in Paris.
