Tunisian teen who sailed in Tokyo Olympics dies in training accident

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

Eya Guezguez, 17, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games, died Sunday "during exercises in preparation for upcoming regional and international dates," the Tunisian National Olympic Committee announced 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 teen twins finished 21st for Tunisia in the women's sailing 49er FX event at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

In a statement, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach called Guezguez "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."

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

Guezguez was laid to rest in a ceremony Monday, according to a Facebook post.