★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★
★ To get the daily Sports Examiner Recap by e-mail: sign up here! ★
≡ AA 5342 CRASH ≡
Condolences for those lost in the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita on Wednesday came in from every corner of the Olympic Movement. In addition to the U.S. Figure Skating statement:
● International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach (GER):
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic air accident in Washington DC. On behalf of the IOC, and personally, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected, which we understand may include Olympians, young athletes, and their support staff. Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Thoughts and prayers for those affected by the tragedy were shared during the IOC Presidential presentation follow-up with media by Prince Feisal Al Hussein (JOR), Juan Antonio Samaranch (ESP) and Sebastian Coe (GBR).
● The International Skating Union said in a statement:
“The International Skating Union (ISU) and the global skating community are deeply shocked by the tragic accident involving an American Airlines flight in Washington, D.C. last night. We are heartbroken to learn that Figure Skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Figure skating is more than a sport – it’s a close-knit family—and we stand together. We remain in close contact with U.S. Figure Skating and offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time.”
ISU President Jae Youl Kim (KOR) added:
“Today, the world of Figure Skating is heartbroken. We share our deepest, most sincere condolences with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives in this terrible crash. To lose so many members of our community in this way brings sadness beyond words.”
A moment of silence was observed at the beginning of Thursday’s session of the European Figure Skating Championships in Tallinn (EST).
● U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee chief executive Sarah Hirshland:
“Today we join in mourning the profound loss of the passengers aboard Flight 5342 and all those impacted by this tragedy. We are devastated, and there are truly no words to capture the depth of our sorrow.
“Among those lost were talented athletes, dedicated coaches, and beloved family members from the U.S. Figure Skating community, all returning home from the National Development Camp. These Olympic hopefuls represented the bright future of Team USA, embodying the very essence of what it means to represent our country – perseverance, resilience and hope. They were remarkable young people and talents, passionately pursuing their dreams, and they will forever hold a cherished place in the Team USA family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and the communities that nurtured and supported them. We extend our sincerest condolences during this unimaginable time.”
● The Skating Club of Boston chief executive Doug Zeghibe told a morning news conference:
“Six is a horrific number for us. But we’re fortunate and grateful it wasn’t more than six. This will have long, reaching impacts for our skating community.”
Two club skaters, Spencer Lane and Jinna Han (both 16), and their mothers, Christine Lane and Jin Han, and coaches Vadim Naumov and Yevgeniya Shishkova (the 1994 World Pairs Champions for Russia) were killed in the crash.
Added Zeghibe: “I don’t think we’re ever going to forget them. That is for certain. How we commemorate them here we haven’t gotten to that point to discuss, but we certainly will. Just definitely very important and well loved members of our community.”
It was noted that The Skating Club of Boston is the host club for the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, to be held from 26-30 March at TD Garden.
Zeghibe added a sad note that this kind of loss has happened before:
“In 1961, the entire world team of U.S. Figure Skating, en route to the world championships in Prague, was lost in a plane crash in Belgium. Almost half of everybody on board that plane were with this club.”
That crash happened on 15 February and all 18 members of the U.S. team were lost.
“It had long-reaching implications for the skating club and for the sport in this country. Because when you lose coaches like this, you lose the future of the sport as well. It’s been a long time in redeveloping it. I personally feel that this club, The Skating Club of Boston, has just now almost 60 years later been coming out of the shadow of that 1961 crash. So this is particularly devastating.”
¶
★ Receive our exclusive, weekday TSX Recap by e-mail by clicking here.
★ Sign up a friend to receive the TSX Recap by clicking here.
★ Please consider a donation here to keep this site going.
For our updated, 895-event International Sports Calendar for 2025 and beyond, by date and by sport, click here!
