Finnish Olympic shooter Aleksi Leppä's father Marko Leppä, who was also his coach, passed away after a sudden illness struck during a flight on his way to the Olympics shooting venue in Chateauroux.
Leppä's family and the Finnish Shooting Sport Federation confirmed the news on Sunday.
The federation's press statement said that Marko Leppä's long-held dream had been to see his son compete in the Olympics.
Leppä took part in the 10m Air Rifle competition on Sunday, sporting a black armband in memory of his father, but failed to make the final.
"Today has been maybe the most difficult day of my life," said a tearful Leppä afterwards. "I am so happy that I am at the games. And at the same time I would have liked to see my father in the stands at these games."
Marko Leppä was born in 1965 and had been active in shooting sports including as a coach. He was also well known in shooting circles as an international referee and an active organiser of competitions.
He worked as a captain in the defence forces' as a coach and coordinator for shooting sports' training.
Aleksi Leppä also competes in the 50m rifle event at the Paris games.
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