'On the cusp of greatness': Ice skating club reels from US plane crash deaths

A tragic event has struck the Skating Club of Boston, leaving the community in mourning. Two promising young skaters, 13-year-old Jinna Han and 16-year-old Spencer Lane, were seen as future stars in the world of figure skating. Doug Zeghibe, the CEO of the club, expressed the deep loss felt by everyone. 'They had been sought out and identified as the future of the sport,' he stated, highlighting the immense potential that both skaters possessed. Their talent was evident in their performances, which showcased a level of skill and maturity that was remarkable for their ages. They were invited to attend a High Performance Camp following the US National Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, where they were expected to further develop their skills. Tragically, on their return flight home to Massachusetts, they were involved in a devastating mid-air collision that resulted in the loss of 60 lives, including their mothers and coaches. This incident has left a profound impact on the skating community.

The Skating Club of Boston has a rich history of nurturing elite-level skaters, and the loss of Jinna and Spencer is a significant blow. The club is known for its rigorous training and the close bonds that form among its members. Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, two fellow skaters, recently won the US pairs title before the crash and shared their memories of Jinna and Spencer. 'They were just two sunshines that you get the energy from as soon as you see them,' Alisa recalled, emphasizing the positive energy they brought to the rink. The club has become a gathering place for members to come together and remember the two young athletes. In the entrance of the club, photographs of Jinna and Spencer are surrounded by flowers and heartfelt tributes, capturing their spirit and the joy they brought to those around them.

The coaches, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were also among the victims of the crash. They were accomplished skaters themselves, having won the world pairs championship in 1994. Their son, Maxim, is another talented skater from Boston who recently competed in Wichita. The club has faced tragedy before, recalling the loss of 10 members of the US figure skating team in a plane crash in 1961. Doug Zeghibe reflected on this history, stating, 'My first thought was this can't be happening again. ' The skating community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time. Nancy Kerrigan, a well-known figure skater, has also shown her solidarity with the club, understanding the pain of loss and wanting to provide comfort. In the coming weeks, the club is preparing for the World Figure Skating Championships, which will serve as an opportunity to honor the lives lost in the crash. Doug emphasized the importance of looking to the future as part of the healing process, stating, 'It's good to have things to focus on that are positive for the sport. ' The club is committed to supporting its members and finding a way to move forward together.