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Teen Olympian dies in a horror training accident
17-year-old Sailing Olympian Eya Guezguez has died in a horror training accident in Tunisia
According to the Tunisian Olympic Committee, the teen was sailing with her twin sister when they were hit by strong winds forcing their boat to capsize, with only her sister surviving.
The pair were training for upcoming regional and international competitions with the Tunisian national team.
“May Allah have Mercy on the deceased, grant her eternal rest in Paradise and grant her family and relatives and the entire sports family patience and solace”
Tunisian Olympic committee statement
The young Olympians sailed for Tunisia in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the 49er FX category, finishing 21st.
The sisters were the youngest athletes to represent Tunisia at an Olympic Games and the youngest sailors in Tokyo.
They had their eyes firmly set on competing in the Paris 2024 games.
“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.”
IOC HEAD, Thomas Bach
