Tunisian teenager who sailed at Tokyo Olympics dies in training accident

A young Olympic sailor from Tunisia died in a training accident over the weekend, authorities said.

Eya Guezguez, 17, who was competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, died Sunday “during exercises to prepare for upcoming regional and international events,” Tunisia’s National Olympic Committee said on Facebook.

Guezguez and her twin sister, Sarra Guezguez, were sailing together when their boat capsized in high winds, Olympics.com reported. Sarra Guezguez survived.

The teenage twins finished 21st for Tunisia in the women’s 49er FX sailing competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

In a statement, the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach called Guezguez “an inspiring talent and role model for her generation of athletes.”

“Eya Guezguez’s participation in Tokyo 2020 alongside her twin sister Sarra will continue to inspire girls everywhere. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the Olympic community in Tunisia.”

Mahrez Busian, president of the Tunisian Olympic Committee, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to a Facebook post, Guezguez was buried in a ceremony on Monday.