Make New York Post a Preferred Source A two-time Olympic champion is in critical condition after a fire at her home in Russia.
Maria Shurochkina, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in synchronized swimming, was hospitalized after her clothes caught fire in her Moscow apartment.
There are now fears of complications, including burn shock, dehydration, and infection after her condition deteriorated from moderate to serious, per Russian outlet Mash.
Russian Olympic champion Maria Shurochkina performs at a synchronized swimming show in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. Sergei Fadeichev/TASS One of the biggest concerns is tissue necrosis, the destruction of skin and its underlying tissues. Shurochkina reportedly suffered injuries to her head, neck, chest, abdomen, arms and hands.
The incident occurred while Shurochkina was refilling a bioethanol fireplace in her 17th floor apartment. Flammable vapors ignited and her clothes caught on fire. She was taken by ambulance to Sklifosovsky Emergency Research Institute in Moscow.
Shurochkina won back-to-back gold medals in synchronized swimming at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Russian president Vladimir Putin awarded Shurochkina the Order of Friendship in 2016 and the Order of Honor in 2021.
Shurochkina is also a six-time gold medalist at the World Aquatics Championships.
Maria Shurochkina (right) and ROC team members celebrate their gold medal during the artistic swimming team event at the Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Aug. 7, 2021. AFP via Getty Images Shurochkina, now 31, retired from competition four years ago and has gone on to pursue a career in entertainment, appearing in theater productions and practicing dance. She opened a dance school in Moscow in 2017.
The Russian Aquatic Sports Federation confirmed Shurochkina’s condition and said they were in contact with the hospital and Shurochkina’s family.
“We wish Maria strength and a speedy recovery,” the federation wrote in a statement. “The Federation will continue to monitor the situation and provide any assistance needed.”
