The Fond du Lac Bladessynchronized skating junior team sports their U.S.A jackets during practice on February 12, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Although last Wednesday night’s deadly plane-helicopter crash took place near our nation’s capitol, it’s impacting members of the figure skating community all over the world, including those from Northeast Wisconsin.
“You never think that those things are going to affect you, those things you see in the media,” former Team USA member and coach Macy Bania said.
It was a tragic blow to the entire figure skating community when an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air. The crash left no survivors, killing 67 people — including 14 U.S. figure skaters.
“When I heard that there was a plane full of figure skaters, I mean, that alone was devastating, but then reading through the list of people that were on the plane and then realizing that I had a connection to one of them — that hit really hard,” Bania said.
Bania grew up in Green Bay. Before coaching with Team USA, she was with the Fond du Lac Blades synchronized skating team. Bania was in disbelief when she first heard about the crash.
Her former ice dance coach, Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov, was one of the victims. He was a well-respected and beloved coach throughout the skating community.
“He left a huge impact on so many skaters and so many people and he will be extremely missed by so many people,” Bania said.
The American Airlines flight was on its way back from Wichita, Kansas. Athletes, coaches and families were at a development camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
This tragedy brought the already tight-knit figure skating community even closer together. The Fond du Lac Blades are currently performing at the French Cup, and they too, were close with Coach Sasha.
“The kids started pulling out videos of their dances with him and reminiscing on the positive and the just fantastic moments and the things that he did to help them progress their skating career,” Fond du Lac Blades coach Jenny McMahon said.
To remember the lives lost, the team is dedicated their long performance this weekend to the victims. Not only for those aboard flight 5432, but for losses within the Fond du Lac Blades family.
“In light of everything, we just want to go out there and have a skate that we’re really proud of and that honors the victims,” Fond du Lac Blades figure skater Mikayla Garot said.
They hope it helps shine a little light during a dark and tragic time.
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