Olympic Sailor Eya Guezguez, 17, Dies After Training Accident

The Tunisian Olympic Committee confirmed that the young sailor Eya Guezguez, who recently sailed for her country in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, died after her boat capsized while training with her twin sister and Olympic teammate Sarra. Guezguez was just 17.

The two sisters and the rest of the Tunisian national team were apparently unprepared for a sudden burst of winds while they were training off the coast of Tunis. Sarra survived but Eya tragically drowned after the boat capsized.

Sarra and Eya placed 21st in the two-person 49er FX sailing event in Tokyo but just being at the games at all was inspiring for girls in their country and around the world. They were the youngest athletes at the 2020 games and were hoping to qualify for the Summer 2024 Olympics, which will be hosted in Paris.

“May Allah have mercy on the deceased, grant her eternal rest in Paradise, and grant her family and relatives and the entire sports family patience and solace. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” said the Tunisian Olympic Committee.