It’s been a rough few days for the Samoan boxing community but more so for the lone Samoan boxer at the Olympics, Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali.
The Samoan heavyweight showed up for his bout early on Sunday morning, alone in his corner, against Belgian Victor Schelstraete. This, just two days after being rocked by the sudden death of his coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito at the Olympic village.
Posting on his social media page after the loss, Plodzicki Faoagali said, “Thinking of you coach, wish you were here in my corner today.”
While the 25-year-old Plodzicki-Faoagali received some help from Papua New Guinea’s boxing coach Peter Morrison, he was soundly beaten by Schelstraete, who left the Samoan bleeding from the cheek.
“I was thinking about pulling out, it’s been hard,” Pacific Games champion Plodzicki-Faoagali said.
He added: “It’s been hard to stay strong. I’ve been struggling mentally the past few days. I thought I was going to win a medal for sure, but it’s been really hard mentally.
“I don’t care about the medal right now… even through these hard times, I appreciate everyone. I’m going to come back stronger and chase my dreams.
“Samoa, I gave it what I could honestly, it wasn’t my best but fought my heart out for you.”
Fatupaito, aged 60, died in the Olympic village on Friday after suffering a suspected heart attack.
“Lionel was one of Samoa’s top boxing coaches and a great believer in the Olympic ideal,” Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee president Pauga Talalelei Pauga said.
“Our thoughts and those of the entire Samoan sporting community are with Lionel’s family, his boxers and friends. He will be greatly missed.”
The International Boxing Association paid tribute to Fatupaito in a statement.
“We at the International Boxing Association (IBA) extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lionel Elika Fatupaito, the national boxing coach of Samoa, who tragically passed away during Paris 2024.
“Lionel’s dedication and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the boxing community.
“His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Team Samoa and all those affected by this profound loss.”
Heavyweight Plodzicki-Faoagali is Samoa’s only boxer at the Olympic games, In an instagram post, Faoagali paid tribute to his coach honouring him as the “Grand Master” of boxing and that he will be sorely missed in this year’s games.
Meanwhile back in Samoa, Fatupaito’s local and much loved boxing club Marist Samoa Boxing released a statement remembering the man and his pioneering work in the club.
He was described as a “cherished friend, father, brother and coach, whose legacy will always live on.”
