Russian Judo Star Yelena Ivashchenko Passed Away

It is with great sadness that the International Judo Community learned that Russian judo star Yelena Ivashchenko, 28, passed away.

Living in Tyumen, Russia, where the World Judo Masters recently took place, Yelena Ivashchenko won a gold medal at the European Judo Championships in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2012. Born in the Siberian city of Omsk, near Russia’s border with Kazakhstan, Ivashchenko also won silver at the World Judo Championships in 2008, and bronze in 2007 and 2011. Last summer she represented Russia at the Olympics in London.

Russian Judo Federation presented her sudden death as a “tragedy” and declared: “Her victories will remain forever etched in history, as Lena herself will live forever in the memories of all who knew her”.

In a letter to the Russian Judo President, Mr. Vasily Anisimov, the IJF President, Mr. Marius Vizer, addressed his condolences to Yelena Ivashchenko’s family and friends:

“Dear Mr. President,

I was saddened to hear about the passing away of Ms. Elena Ivashchenko, four times European Champion and international medallist, at such a young age and in such unexpected circumstances.

Through this letter, on behalf of the International Judo Federation, I extend my condolences to you and her entire family.

Our thoughts are with you at this time when Russian Judo lost so prematurely one of its important members. May she rest in peace!”

The Olympicssports.com team is with you at this time when Russian Judo lost so prematurely one of its important members.