The Michigan skating community is responding to the news of a fatal plane collision in D.C. that resulted in the deaths of several of their members. The American Airlines flight involved in a crash with a Black Hawk helicopter resulted in the loss of numerous figures from the skating world, including athletes, coaches, and family members. In a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit, Michigan figure skater Olivia Makled described the added stress on her synchronized skating team as they prepared for an international competition in Poland, particularly in light of the recent events.
Adding to the voices of sorrow and solidarity, figures such as Olympic medalists Nancy Kerrigan and Brian Boitano expressed their grief, acknowledging the tightly knit nature of the sport. WILX shared Kerrigan's sentiment of empathy for all those affected by the crash. Among the passengers were friends of Douglas Haw, Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club Coach, who personally knew two of the coaches from the Skating Club of Boston, further underscoring the personal impact of the crash within the community.
In Kalamazoo, the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships continued amid the shockwave sent through the skating circles. Jessica Ponton, secretary of the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association, highlighted the close bonds commonly formed within the skating community and the collective mourning felt at the championship. WOODTV reported on the moment of silence taken before the competition to honor those lost in the crash.
As the Dearborn Crystalettes prepare for their competition abroad, they plan to honor the crash victims by wearing black armbands on their Team USA jackets, a gesture that symbolizes the solidarity and respect within the community, as shared by skaters Makled and Molly Holland with CBS News Detroit. Meanwhile, the local and national figure skating communities continue to reel from the loss, paying tribute to the deceased in various ways, remembering young athletes and coaches who had aspired to milestones as significant as the Olympic Games, according to Becky Olson from the Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Board of Directors.
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