Tragic news has reached us that Olympic Figure Skater Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya has passed away. She was just twenty-years-old.
Here's the full story...
Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya was a figure skating champion.
Born in Russia, the star, also known as Katia, obtained Australian citizenship where she went on to compete for the country in the sport.Alexandrovskaya started learning to skate in 2004...
After competing as a solo skater from 2011 to 2012, she began appearing in pairs with Vladislav Lysoy during the 2012 to 2013 season.But it was when she partnered with Harley Windsor where things really took off for the star.
Their international debut came in early September 2016 at the Junior Grand Prix...
The skating partners won the world junior title in 2017.
In 2018...
In recent years, however, Alexandrovskaya faced several challenges.
And earlier this year, Windsor announced that the pair had split.It was later revealed that the pair had parted ways because Alexandrovskaya was retiring from the sport.
The later end of her career had been plagued with health issues, including a diagnosis with epilepsy.Just months after her retirement was announced...
Heartbreaking news has emerged that the star has passed away suddenly.The tragic news was confirmed by The Australian Olympic Committee.
It is reported that the star died on Friday.After the news emerged, her former skating partner spoke out in an emotional Instagram post.
He continued:
"The amount we had achieved during our partnership is something I can never forget and will always hold close to my heart."He concluded his post by expressing his shock at the news.
"This news is something you can never prepare for. Rest In Peace Katia."Ian Chesterman, chef de mission for the Australian team in Pyeongchan, also spoke out.
Chesterman said the news was a terrible blow for all those who knew the skater. "It is enormously sad to lose Katia, who was a vibrant and talented person and an incredible athlete," he said.He continued:
“She was quiet and humble in her manner but incredibly determined to be the best she could be. Life since the Games has not been easy for her and this is another timely reminder of just how fragile life is."The Chief executive of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia spoke of how she " has a special place in the country's sports history."
"Katia and Harley were Australia's first figure skating world champions. "She came to Australia to fulfill her sporting dreams. My thoughts are with Katia's family in Russia, Harley, and the skating community in Australia," they said.ÂShe has been described as having "remarkable potential."
"I will remember Katia as a young person of great talent and remarkable potential."Tributes have been flooding in for the skating star.
The skating family mourns the loss of Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya (AUS). The ISU shares its heartfelt condolences wit… https://t.co/KJyRDlp55s— ISU Figure Skating (@ISU Figure Skating)1595074351.0
The skating community has been left heartbroken.
I’m so shocked to hear of the death of Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya. She was a fighter who gave her whole heart to thi… https://t.co/nOU3U2ZjLK— Isabel 🖤 amber glenn stan account (@Isabel 🖤 amber glenn stan account)1595085954.0
She achieved some major milestones...
We are devastated to hear about the passing of Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya. The milestones she achieved with her part… https://t.co/gDUsfpzFZj— Anything GOEs (@Anything GOEs)1595065520.0
Many spoke of how much of a "lovely" person she was both on and off the ice.
We must acknowledge the tragic passing of World Junior Champion, Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya. Katia brought many vict… https://t.co/99frWPCbFI— Makar Ignatov: Skater Positivity (@Makar Ignatov: Skater Positivity)1595065816.0
She'll be truly missed.
#ekaterinaalexandrovskaya we will miss you 💔 https://t.co/5cy71eRKru— your skaters (@your skaters)1595106698.0