Tunisian Olympic sailor Eya Guezguez, who represented her country at the Tokyo Olympics last summer, has died at the age of 17 in an accident during training for the national team, authorities announced on Monday. Her twin sister, present on the boat, was rescued, IOC announced on Monday.
According to the report, the unfortunate incident that saw sailor Eya Guezguez losing her life happened on Sunday, when the sailboat she was using with her twin sister Sarra capsized due to high winds. Eya drowned, her sister was rescued.
Thomas Bach’s tribute To The Tunisian Olympic sailor Eya Guezguez:
“I am shocked to learn of the passing of sailor Eya Guezguez. She was an inspirational talent and a role model for her generation. Her participation in Tokyo 2020 alongside her twin sister Sarra will continue to inspire young girls around the world. “, reacted the president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach in a press release published Monday on the IOC website.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the Tunisian Olympic community,” he added.
During the Tokyo Games, the two twins took 21st place in the 49er FX, a category of light dinghies.