Tragedy for Tunisian Olympic sailor

Eya Guezguez, 17, who skippered Tunisia’s entry in the Women’s Skiff (49erFx) event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, died while training on April 10, 2022. Eya competes with her twin sister Sarra, with the accident occurring when they capsized in strong winds off the coast of the Tunisian capital Tunis.

The sisters, both aged 16 at Tokyo 2020, finished last in the 21-boat fleet. The Tunisian Olympic Committee (CNOT) has described her death as “a tragedy in the sports scene.”

With their coach alongside in a RIB while training, he was able help free Sarra from the tangled rigging before locating Eya on whom he attempted CPR. The young Olympian was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead after drowning.

The incident has shocked Tunisia’s sporting community and sparked anger and frustration amongst Tunisians, with many questioning management and the nature of safety equipment.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, which occurred a few hours before Muslims were due to break their fast on the ninth day of Ramadan.

“May God have mercy on the deceased, grant her eternal rest in paradise, and grant her family and relatives and the entire sports family a beautiful patience and solace,” a statement from CNOT said.