Tunisian sailor Eya Guezguez, who competed in the Tokyo Olympics last summer, died aged 17 in an accident while training for the national team, authorities said on Monday. The accident 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.
“I am shocked by the news of the death of navigator Eya Guezguez. She was an inspiring talent and role model for her generation. Her participation in Tokyo 2020 alongside her twin sister Sarra will continue to motivate young girls around the world,” responded International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in a statement released 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.