JJ Rice, Tonga Kitefoiler Prepared for Paris Olympics Useless at 18

The ocean, even the roughest, didn’t scare him. At fifteen he dived into the excessive and impetuous waves, risking his life to save lots of others. A ship had capsized within the waters of Faleloa, on one of many islands of Tonga: the boy was decisive in saving the eighteen folks on board. However nonetheless in Faleloa, within the waters of the island Ha’apai, he misplaced his life in a a lot easier episode: a diving accident, which made rescue makes an attempt ineffective.

So he died at eighteen Jackson James Ricewho would have competed for Tonga within the novelty of kitesurfing on the Paris Olympics. He would have been the primary Caucasian to signify the dominion of Polynesia on the Olympic Video games: he was born in america to British dad and mom, homeowners of a resort within the very place the place he died. His loss of life was confirmed by his father Darrenwho additionally recalled the ferry episode. He was identified on the race programs as JJ Rice, and certified for the Video games after ending eighth at Sail Sydney in December. He thought-about himself Tongan, having grown up on the Pacific Islands. “I used to be blessed with essentially the most superb brother in your complete world and it saddens me to say he has handed away,” his sister Lily wrote on Fb: “He was an incredible kitefoiler, he would have gone to the Olympics and walked away with a shiny medal… he made so many superb mates everywhere in the world.”