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Shock over tragic death of 17-year-old Olympian in training accident

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read
Eya Guezguez, pictured here before her tragic death.
Eya Guezguez was killed in a tragic training accident in Tunisia. Images: Instagram

The Olympics community is mourning the tragic death of 17-year-old sailing star Eya Guezguez.

The International Olympics Community announced an Monday that the Tunisian had died in a training accident.

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Guezguez was training with her twin sister Sarra alongside their national team on Sunday when their boat capsized due to strong winds.

Eya died in the tragic accident, while Sarra survived.

The sisters competed together at the Tokyo Olympics last year in the 49er FX category, finishing 21st.

Eya and Sarra Guezguez, pictured here competing in the Women's Skiff - 49er FX class at the Tokyo Olympics.
Eya and Sarra Guezguez compete in the Women's Skiff - 49er FX class at the Tokyo Olympics. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

IOC boss Thomas Bach shared his disbelief at the horrific news.

β€œI am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez’s death," he said.

"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.”

Tributes pour in after death of Eya Guezguez

The sisters became the youngest athletes to represent Tunisia at an Olympic Games and were the youngest sailors in Tokyo.

They had hopes of representing Tunisia at the 2024 Olympics in Paris and beyond.

β€œMay Allah rest the deceased with his mercy and dwell her in paradise and grant her family, relatives, and the sports family, all of them have patience and solace,” the Tunisian National Olympic Committee said.

Tunisian sport Ettachkila wrote on Twitter: "Barely 16 years old, our sailing champion, Eya Guezguez died today following an accident during training for the national team.

"We extend our condolences to her family and love ones."

Britush Youth Sailing tweeted: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Eya Guezguez. Taken too soon. Rest in peace Eya."

with agencies

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