The skating pair of Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya and Harley Windsor (By Luu - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org)
The death of Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya, who skated for Australia at the 2018 Winter Olympics, may have been suicide, according to reports.
The 20-year-old’s cause of death in Moscow on Friday has not yet been made official. However, AFP has reported that her coach, Andrei Khekalo, says she fell from a sixth -floor window in Moscow.
Russian media reported Alexandrovskaya left a note reading “Lyublyu (I love)”, suggesting the fall may have been suicide.
Khekalo also told AFP the young Olympian suffered from depression and was diagnosed with epilepsy early this year. Her retirement in February was said at the time to be due to injury.
Russia-born Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya was granted Australian citizenship to compete for Australia in the Olympics in the pairs figure skating alongside Harley Windsor.
Soon after pairing up, Alexandrovskaya and Windsor won the 2017 world junior championships. It was Australia’s first world figure skating title, earning the pair a place at the Olympics in Pyeongchang.
In skating with Alexandrovskaya, Windsor became the first indigenous Australian to compete at the Winter Olympics.
On Monday he expressed his shock at his friend’s tragic passing.
“Words can not describe how I feel right now,” Windsor wrote on social media.
“I am devastated and sick to my core about the sad and sudden passing of Katia.
“The amount we had achieved during our partnership is something I can never forget and will always hold close to my heart.
“This news is something you can never prepare for.
“Rest In Peace, Katia.”
President of Ice Skating Australia, Peter Lynch, described Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya as “a brilliant athlete” in a statement on Monday.
She and Windsor “did what many thought impossible”, according to Lynch.
“Together they created greatness that will rest in the Australian record books for many years,” he said.
If you, a friend or family member is seeking support and information about suicide prevention, in Australia contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.