The boxing community in Samoa is mourning the loss of national coach Lionel Elika Fatupaito who passed away in Paris, France, a day before the opening ceremony. 

This means that Samoa boxer Tupuola Ato Leau Plodzicki-Faoagali will have to fight without the coach in his corner.

Samoa Boxing president Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa was shocked when he heard the news. He said Lionel was a soft-hearted and humble person.

"It's very hard to talk about it, I am lost for words as this is really unexpected, and it's never happened before. About his boxing career life, he is very committed, humble, soft-hearted, and a family man," he said.

"Whenever I tell him off for something, he never answers back. He's hardly ever angry or mad, he is such a humble person.

"When I received the news, I started to reach out to people overseas to find out the cause because I know Lionel had some illnesses. I asked Lionel about his health before he went to Paris and he said he was fit to go. 

"He had always dreamed of coaching an athlete in the Olympics and that dream came true. God called him home and he was already there at the Olympics with a son of Samoa. That was how I felt too, he's been serving our association for so long, so he deserved it. Well-deserved trip for him."

"Despite how sad we are with the news, it's God's plan. Our boxing association is in mourning. In case, some people might think that we should've checked Lionel's health before he departed for Paris, I can confirm we did, we even got his medical clearance. 

"However, I am looking at maybe something happened over there that might have upset him, or he's anxious about the competition. That was one of the reason why I asked Lionel to sit out the boxing trip that went to Tahiti. My plan was to let Lionel rest to prepare for the Olympics." 

Tagaloatele said that Samoa's boxing Olympian, Tupuola Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali was nurtured by Lionel right from the lightweight division up to the heavyweight division he is now fighting in. 

"They have a strong bond and make a great team. The majority of our local players were all coached by Lionel. He has been serving this association for so long. He will be deeply missed," he added. 

"This is a huge loss to our Samoan Boxing Association. He is not like the other coaches who are tough on their players, Lionel has a soft spot for all of his boxers. 

"As a family man, his top priority is his mother. Every time we have camp, he doesn't sleep here. He always has to go home to check on his mother and look after her. And we all understand him."

Few boxers coached by Lionel posted on social media about their relationship with him and how he helped them with their boxing careers.

Faustino Marion Ah Tong in an interview with the newspaper described Lionel as a soft spoken and very humble coach. Local boxer, Jancen Papalii in his interview paid tribute to his late coach. 

"I still can't believe it but we have to deal with it when it comes to the will of God. This guy is one of the most humble people I've ever met. I just couldn't get my mind off him and the memories we've had," he said. 

"The best memory with coach was when we went to the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires Argentina. It was one of my best memories with him because it was my first international competition away from home. And it was the top of the world competition.

"I still remember what he told me. He said "We have reached what I have always wanted which was to come and bring the team to an Olympics but this is the youth that were coming for. There is one more which is the Paris Olympics for the old one that we should go. Once we do that, I will take a rest, my health is not the same anymore."

"So, I am glad that he made it to where he wanted to be before he left, despite me not being qualified. You have reached your dreams coach! You are the best coach and I'm definitely going to miss you."

Tupuola Ato could not comment as he is still preparing for his match against his opponent from Belgium on 28 July. However, his father, Steven Faoagali goes a long way with the late Fatupaito.

"All I'll say from myself is that I am devastated personally because Lionel was my best friend and fellow colleague for a lot of years. He will be sorely missed."

Another local boxer, Darius J Poulava expressed his gratitude to Lionel for helping him with his boxing career and saying he will never forget him. Suitama Manuele is grateful for Lionel and thanked him for his service which has blessed him and his other boxing brothers. 

The Marist Boxing Club has shared the same sentiments as everyone in the boxing community in a post which reads:

"Heartbroken and speechless, we mourn the loss of Coach Lionel Fatupaito who was living his dream at the Olympics. A cherished friend, father, brother, and coach, his legacy will live on. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Fly high, Coach Lionel. Your profound impact on Marist and Samoa boxing will forever be remembered. You will be deeply missed."