Eya Guezguez, a 17-year-old Olympic sailor from Tunisia, has died in a training incident, the IOC announced on Monday. 

Guezguez and her twin sister Sarra were training alongside their national team for upcoming regional and international competitions when their boat capsized due to strong winds in waters off the capital Tunis on Sunday.

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Their coach, who was alongside them in a speedboat at the time of the incident, managed to help Sarra flee the tangled rigging. He then located Eya Guezguez and attempted CPR on her before rushing her to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. 

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The sisters had competed at the Tokyo Olympics last year in 49er FX and finished 21st.

“I am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez’s death. She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes’ generation,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement. 

“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.”

A probe has been launched into the incident.

“May Allah have mercy on the deceased, grant her eternal rest in paradise, and grant her family and relatives and the entire sports family patience and solace,” the Tunisian Olympic Committee said in a statement. 

Since the news broke, social media has been flooded with tributes.

“What terrible news… Eya, your death was a dagger that pierced our hearts. Rest in peace dear friend. You will remain among us forever!” one person wrote. 

” Eya Guezguez, Tunisian Olympic Windsurfer, has passed away today after an accident at practice.
Eya, along with her twin, Sarra, were the Youngest female athletes at the #Tokyo2020 Olympics…
May she Rest In Peace,” another person tweeted.