Sport is in mourning. An American Airlines plane crashed into the waters of the Potomac River after being struck by a military helicopter Wednesday night in Washington DC. The aircraft was carrying 64 people, including around fifteen skaters who were returning from a training course organized on the sidelines of the US Championships in Wichita (Kansas), as confirmed by the US Skating Federation. According to TASS, several Russian skating figures were also on board: Inna Volyanskaya, now a coach, as well as Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishikova, world champions in 1994The couple had competed in the 1992 Albertville and 1994 Lillehammer Games. Donald Trump confirmed that there was no no survivors.
Thomas Bach reacted to this disaster on Thursday: " We are deeply saddenedby the tragic air crash in Washington DC. On behalf of the IOC and myself, I extend my deepest condolences to all those affected, including: Olympians, young athletes and their staff. Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” The International Skating Union (ISU) said "deeply shocked" by the accident and indicated to stay « in close contact with the American Federation during this incredibly difficult time ». Many candidates for the IOC presidential election also took advantage of their appearance before the media on Thursday morning to express their thoughts on the United States, including Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr and Sebastian Coe.
