Figure skating community unites and remembers victims of tragic plane crash
- The ISU World Figure Skating Championships are being held in Boston, the first such event in the U.S. since 2016.
- A tribute will honor the victims of the plane crash, impacting the figure skating community just two months prior.
- The championships symbolize both competition and healing for the skating community, uniting participants and fans in remembrance.
In March 2025, Boston is hosting the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, marking the first time the event has occurred in the United States since 2016. The championships are particularly significant as they come just two months after American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed, resulting in the loss of six members from the Skating Club of Boston among others in the figure skating community. As the world’s top skaters gather at TD Bank Garden, they aim to celebrate the sport while also acknowledging their profound loss. Skater Ilia Malinin, who tragically lost friends on the flight, vows to perform in their honor, emphasizing the poignant connection between competition and remembrance at this event. A tribute is planned for the opening night, creating an emotional atmosphere that reflects on loss while fostering collective healing through the art of figure skating. The event promises not only athletic excellence but also a moment of unity among skaters, fans, and families affected by the tragedy, with more than $1.2 million raised in previous tributes for the victims’ families. Furthermore, the championships serve as a lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, adding extra stakes for skaters aspiring for Olympic medals in Milan-Cortina.