Olympic Sailor Eya Guezguez Dead At Just 17
The teenager suffered a tragic accident while training.
Tragic news, just tragic news.
It's been revealed that Tunisian sailor Eya Guezguez, 17, has tragically passed away during national team training, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced.
The accident occurred when the boat she was sailing with her twin sister Sarra capsized in high winds in training. Eya drowned, but her sister was rescued.
The twins competed at Tokyo aged just 16.
"I am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez's death. She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes' generation," IOC president Thomas Bach said in a statement on the organisation's web site.
"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."
The sisters competed together in the 49er FX class in Tokyo where they finished 21st.
The siblings were the youngest ever Olympians to represent Tunisia and were also the youngest sailors at the Tokyo Games.
The Tunisian National Olympic Committee (CNOT) said Eya was training for upcoming international and regional sailing conditions when she tragically died.
"May 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," CNOT said in a statement.
Rest in peace, Eya Guezguez.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Olypmics, Australia, Eya Guezguez
Ryan Rosendale