Sad news from Tunisia. The 17-year-old young sailor Eya Guezguez died in a training accident. IOC President Thomas Bach was shocked.
A young Olympic sailor from Tunisia died in a training accident. 17-year-old Eya Guezguez was sailing with her sister on Sunday when the twins’ boat capsized in strong winds, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on its website on Monday. Sister Sarra survived.
Eya Guezguez: The Olympic sailor from Tunisia died in a training accident. (Source: IOC)
The Tunisian Olympic Committee CNOT said the accident happened during training “for regional and international competitions”. According to a report by the state news agency TAP, Guezguez was only 16 years old.
Trainer was still trying to save Eya’s life
The “BBC” reports that the coach of the twins observed the situation from a speedboat and intervened immediately after the sailing boat capsized. The coach, who was not named, managed to pull Sarra, who was two minutes older, on board unharmed, he saw his younger sister in the water only after a delay and was able to rescue her unconscious. Despite a cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiated on the spot, Eya was pronounced dead shortly afterwards in a local hospital.
The twins competed in the 49 FX class at the Tokyo Olympics last year. They finished 21st and were apparently hoping to compete at the Paris 2024 games. IOC President Thomas Bach commented: “She was an inspiring talent and a role model for athletes of her generation.”