17-Year-Old Tokyo Olympian Dies In Horrific Training Accident

KEY POINTS

Tunisian sailor Eya Guezguez died after her boat capsized due to an accident
The Olympian was training for upcoming regional and international competitions at the time
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident

A 17-year-old Tunisian sailor, who represented her country at the 2020 Tokyo Games, died in a training accident over the weekend.

Eya Guezguez was sailing on a dinghy with her twin sister, Sarra, off the coast of the Tunisian capital of Tunis Sunday when their vessel capsized in windy weather, the Tunisian Olympic Committee (CNOT) said, as per the BBC.

She was training for upcoming regional and international competitions at the time of the incident.

The siblings' coach, who sailed beside them in a speedboat, reportedly managed to help Sarra flee the boat's tangled rigging before locating Eya, whom he attempted to revive by performing CPR.

Eya was rushed to a hospital, but the teenage Olympian was pronounced dead after drowning. Her burial ceremony was observed Monday, the Tunisian Sailing Federation said.

The incident, which CNOT claimed was "a tragedy in the sports scene," comes less than a year after she and her sister finished 21st in the 49er FX sailing event at Tokyo 2020.

The sisters had hopes of competing at the next Olympic Games in Paris, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in a statement.

"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.

"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 official added.

A website representing the 49er sailing class, 49er.org, paid tribute to Eya Tuesday morning, a report by 7News.com.au said.

"Eya represented Tunisia at the Tokyo Olympics and will be missed by her family and community, but most of all by her sister who she was sailing with at the time of her passing," a statement on the website read.

The details surrounding the incident remained unclear, but the IOC said the sisters' vessel seemingly capsized due to strong winds.

An investigation into Eya's death has since been launched.

The incident shocked Tunisia's sporting community and sparked anger and frustration among Tunisians, with many questioning management and the nature of safety equipment available.