At just 18 years old, J.J. Rice had the opportunity of a lifetime ahead of him. He was chosen to represent Tonga’s kitefoiler team at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Caucasian to do so. This was an exciting moment not only for J.J., but also for the sport of kitefoiling itself, as it was the first year it was recognized as an Olympic discipline.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck before J.J. could fulfill his Olympic dreams. On June 15, he passed away in a diving incident off the coast of Faleloa. It is believed that he experienced a “shallow water blackout.” Despite the efforts of those around him, J.J. could not be revived.
J.J.’s sister, Lily, took to Facebook to share her grief and pay tribute to her beloved brother. She described him as an amazing kitefoiler who would have undoubtedly brought home a shiny medal from the Olympics. Lily also highlighted J.J.’s immense talent and versatility, emphasizing that he excelled at everything he put his mind to.
Born in the United States to British-born parents, J.J. and Lily grew up in Ha’apai, where their family operates a tourist lodge. Kite foilboarding, the sport in which J.J. shone, involves riding a board up to 1m above the water’s surface, using the power of a kite.
The world has lost a bright young talent, but J.J.’s memory will live on through the impact he made on the kitefoiling community and the friendships he formed across the globe. His loss is deeply felt, and it will take time for those who loved him to find solace. J.J. Rice was a truly remarkable individual, and he will be dearly missed.
