J.J. Rice, an 18-year-old kitefoiler born in the United States who was set to compete for Tonga at the Paris Olympics, tragically passed away in a diving accident.
The news was confirmed by Rice’s father, Darren Rice, to the Matangi Tonga newspaper on Monday.
Jackson James Rice, known as J.J., was poised to make history as the first Caucasian athlete to represent Tonga at the Olympic Games.
The incident occurred on Saturday in Faleloa, Ha’apai, part of the Tonga archipelago, where he was free diving from a boat.
Reports suggest he experienced a shallow water blackout, and despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Rice’s sister Lily expressed her sorrow, highlighting her brother’s exceptional talent as a kitefoiler and his dream of competing and winning a medal at the Olympics.
Rice had made numerous friends worldwide through his kitefoiling endeavors.
Although born in the US to British parents, Rice grew up in Ha’apai, where his family runs a tourist lodge.
His Olympic journey began with a notable eighth-place finish at the Sail Sydney event in December, securing his spot in the Olympic roster.
Kitefoiling is making its debut as an Olympic sport in Paris.
Leading up to the Games, Rice had been actively training and participating in competitions across Europe.
Kitefoiling involves racing on boards lifted by foils, achieving speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour).
Source-CNN
