Lausanne / Switzerland

It’s with great sadness that the ISU learned of the passing away of Ruslan Zakharov (RUS). The 23-year-old sprinter won a bronze 500m medal at the ISU World Junior Championships in Helsinki in 2017.

On the morning after his 23rd birthday, Zakharov was reportedly run-over by a vehicle in his hometown Khabarovsk. The speed skater was taken to hospital but died in intensive care without regaining consciousness.

The Skating Union of Russia expressed condolences to the family, friends and relatives with an Instagram message reading:

“As a result of the tragic incident, the World Junior Championship medalist, winner of the Junior World Cup speed skating and multiple winner of the Russian championships Ruslan Zakharov passed away. He was 23 years old.”

The ISU extends its most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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