Teenage star dies weeks before making history at Paris Olympics

A teenage sports star has sadly died just weeks before making history at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Jackson James Rice was preparing to represent Tonga at the pinnacle sporting event, but sadly passed away aged just 18 this weekend.

His father, Darren Rice, confirmed his son's death to the local newspaper, the Matangi Tonga Newspaper, saying he died while freediving from a boat.

The young athlete, also known as JJ Rice, died on Saturday in Faleloa, on the island of Ha'apai in the Tongan archipelago.

Darren confirmed his son died after a suspected power outage while in shallow water, with JJ's body found on the seabed beneath the boat at around 12.15pm by other divers.

Resuscitation attempts ultimately failed, according to the Matangi Tonga newspaper.

JJ was set to become the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at the Olympics, as a kite flyer.

After finishing eighth at the Sail Sydney event in December 2023, he sealed his place on the Olympic team.

Kite foiling is one of two new sailing disciplines (along with windsurfing) that will make their Olympic debut this summer. These involve athletes “flying” above the water on hydrofoils attached to boards, propelled solely by the wind, using massive kites.

According to the Royal Yachting Association, they can reach speeds of up to 51 mph.

Rice was born in the United States to parents of British descent, but grew up in Ha'apai, Tonga, where his parents run a tourist lodge, as the teenager considers himself Tongan.

He told Matangi Tonga in May: “I've lived in Tonga all my life, I see myself as a Tongan, I don't see myself as anything else. »

JJ's father told the newspaper a story in which his then 15-year-old son put his life at risk to save people after their ferry sank off the nearby island of Foa, a similar area where he is died Saturday.

JJ's sister Lily posted a heartfelt message on Facebook after her brother's death.

“I was blessed to have the most amazing brother in the entire world and it pains me to say that he has passed away,” it read.

She added: “He was an incredible kitefoiler and he would have made it to the Olympics and come out with a big shiny medal. He has made so many wonderful friends all over the world.

Before his death, JJ was training and competing in Europe to prepare for the Olympics, and told ABC Pacific earlier this year that he intended to use a grant to start a sailing school after his participation at the Olympic games.

“It would be so great if we could get the young kids sailing in Tonga and hopefully push them through to the next Olympics,” he said.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games begin on July 26 and end on August 11.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@jj__rice

Topics: Olympic Games, Sport, News