Global Figure Skating Community Mourns Tragic Loss
The global figure skating community is in mourning after a passenger jet crash in Washington killed two former world champion coaches and stars from the next generation of top US talent.
Tragic Accident Claims Lives of 14 Skaters
Former Russian world pairs champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, and at least two other elite skating coaches, were among the 14 American skaters lost when a plane collided midair with a US Army helicopter on Wednesday night. American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, crashed into the Potomac River, with President Donald Trump announcing Thursday there were no survivors.
Skating Community in Shock
Among those grief-stricken was Nancy Kerrigan, a former US women’s champion and two-time Olympic and world medalist based in Boston, where the World Figure Skating Championships will be held in March. "Not sure how to process it," she said, breaking down in tears. "When you find out you know some of the people on the plane, it’s an even bigger blow."
Added reigning world and US men’s champion Ilia Malinin: "I’m heartbroken by the tragic loss of my fellow skaters in this devastating accident. This loss is beyond words."
Impact on the Sport
Doug Zeghibe, chief executive of The Skating Club of Boston, confirmed six club members were on the plane, including 1994 world pairs champions Shishkova and Naumov. "To the best of our knowledge, 14 skaters returning home… were lost in the plane crash," said Zeghibe, who declared the disaster would have "long-reaching impacts" for the sport.
National Development Camp
Zeghibe said the passengers were returning from US Figure Skating’s national development camp, conducted in Wichita following last week’s US championships there. "This camp is for young competitive stars of tomorrow with the most promise to be a champion of tomorrow," Zeghibe said.
US Figure Skating’s Response
US Figure Skating, in a statement, confirmed only that "several members of our skating community" were on the plane. "We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts."
Loss of a Generation of Talent
The Skating Club of Boston said skaters Jinna Han, 13, and Spencer Lane, 16, their mothers, and Naumov and Shishkova were aboard the plane that crashed into the icy Potomac. "I’ve never seen anyone love skating as much as these two and that’s why I think it hurts so much," Kerrigan said of Han and Lane.
"It also could mean a lost generation of champion talent," Zeghibe said. "Our sport and this club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy. We’re devastated."
Reactions from the Skating Community
US Olympic and Paralympic Committee chief executive Sarah Hirshland said, "These Olympic hopefuls represented the bright future of Team USA, and were remarkable young people and talents, who will forever hold a cherished place in the Team USA family."
International Skating Union president Kim Jae-youl said "the world of figure skating is heartbroken," adding: "To lose so many members of our community in this way brings sadness beyond words."
Conclusion
The figure skating community is still reeling from the tragic loss of 14 skaters, including two former world champion coaches. The accident has sent shockwaves through the sport, and it will be a long time before the community can come to terms with the loss of so many talented young skaters.
FAQs
Q: How many skaters were killed in the plane crash?
A: At least 14 American skaters, including two former world champion coaches, were lost in the crash.
Q: Who were the coaches killed in the crash?
A: Former Russian world pairs champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were among the coaches killed in the crash.
Q: What was the purpose of the flight?
A: The flight was returning from a national development camp conducted by US Figure Skating.
Q: How will this tragedy impact the sport of figure skating?
A: The impact will be long-reaching, with the loss of a generation of talented young skaters and the devastating loss of two experienced coaches.