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The Siberian Times

Tragic death of 28 year old women's judo star Elena Ivashchenko

By The Siberian Times reporter
16 June 2013

The Omsk-born sportswoman, whom admirers from around the world called 'white bear', fell from a top floor flat in an apartment block in Tyumen.

'Just as her victories will forever stay in the history, Lena will be always remembered any everyone and anyone who knew her'. Picture: Vyacheslav Verenich

'She was always like a ray of sunshine - so bright was the colour of her hair,  and so welcoming and smiley', said a statement from the Russian Judo Federation. 'She was kind, strong, big, talented, successful, and she had so many awards. 

'Lena Ivaschenko was a leader of Russian heavy weight judo team - and on this day in June she tragically died. Anyone who even briefly spoke to her received a share of her energy and felt immediate sympathy towards her.  

'Just as her victories will forever stay in the history, Lena will be always remembered any everyone and anyone who knew her'. 

Judo trainer Vladimir Elchaninov said: 'As far as I know Elena committed suicide by throwing herself out of the window. There was no obvious reasons for it. I can't explain why she it in that way and can only express my condolences.'

Elena Ivaschenko competed in London at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the +78 kg event and lost in the repechage to Iryna Kindzerska. She won a silver medal (2008) and two bronze medals (2007, 2011) at the World Judo Championships.

She won four gold medals (2007, 2009, 2011, 2012) and one bronze medal (2006) at the European Judo Championships.

Comments (5)

Very, very sorry for this tragedy and loss. Rest in peace, Lena.
Jim, Monterey USA
10/02/2014 11:58
1
0
praying for your family. Rest in peace, such a great person you were... It is just impossibly sad.
Tony , France
17/06/2013 15:28
3
0
Rest in Peace Elena. Forever in our memory.
Filip, Lodz, Poland
17/06/2013 07:34
5
0
rest in piece Elena... what an awful time it is for your family, my heart is with them
judo fan, Asia
16/06/2013 16:21
5
0
so so sad
Maya, Novosibirsk
16/06/2013 01:09
5
0
1

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