A horrible tragedy just took the life of a teenage Olympian.
Eya Guezguez, a 17-year-old Olympic sailor from Tunisia, died during a training exercise on Sunday. Eya competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and was hopeful about doing so once again in 2024.
The young athlete was laid to rest Monday in Ariana, Tunisia.
The tragedy occurred when Eya was sailing alongside her twin sister, Sarra, who competed with her in Tokyo. Their boat capsized because of strong winds. Sarra survived the accident.
The sisters had been training with the Tunisian national team for upcoming regional and international competition. According to Olympics.com, they were hoping to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The sisters finished 21st in the 49er FX event at the Tokyo Olympics, but just being there had been a dream come true. At the time, Eya excitedly posted images of the experience on her social media. In one, she and others posed with the Olympics rings. "A dream came true," she wrote.
“I am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez’s death,” International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said. “She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes’ generation.
“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.”
