Shock for the Olympic sailing world: 17-year-old Eya Guezguez died in a training accident last Sunday. She had competed with her twin sister Sarra Guezguez in the women's skiff 49erFX in the summer of 2021, aged just 16, in the Olympic regatta off Enoshima, where Tina Lutz and Susann Beucke won the silver medal. The Tunisian sisters sailed to 21st place before Enoshima as the youngest in the field.
Little is known about the exact course of the accident off the coast of Tunisia near Tunis. Several international media outlets have unanimously reported that the siblings' boat capsized in strong winds during training with their national team and that the young Tunisian woman drowned, while her sister survived the accident. According to local radio stations, the coach was with them and immediately initiated rescue measures. A detailed investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway. The Tunisian Olympic Committee (CNOT) stated that the accident occurred during "training for national and international competitions".
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the death of the young Olympian on Monday. IOC President Thomas Bach said: "I am shocked by the news of the death of sailor Eya Guezguez. She was an inspirational talent and a role model for the athletes of her generation. Eya Guezguez's participation in Tokyo 2020 alongside her sister Sarra will continue to inspire girls everywhere. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the Olympic community in Tunisia."
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
