Maria Shurochkina, Digi Mart USA News: Double Olympic synchronized swimming champion Maria Shurochkina has been seriously burned after attempting to light her fireplace, according to reports in the Russian press. Russian outlet Mash Na Sporte said the bioethanol fireplace was still burning when she tried to restart it by pouring in a highly flammable liquid.
The fire spread to her home and set her clothing alight. Mash Na Sporte quoted an athlete who said she was able to get outside and leave the apartment, and that neighbors heard her cries and called an ambulance.
The 31-year-old swimmer, who lives on the 17th floor of her building, was found in a state of shock.
One witness described the scene, saying the bottle in her hand had caught fire and that her arms, stomach and face were burned. The Sklifosovsky Research Institute told the Russian agency RIA Novosti that she is in the intensive care unit for severe burns.
Initial examinations published by the Russian press indicate that 32% of her body has burns ranging from first to second degree. Mash Na Sporte reported that burns to her scalp, neck, chest, stomach and arms have impaired blood circulation, which may lead to tissue necrosis.
The outlet said her condition was changed from moderate to serious.
Her sister, singer Nyusha, whose real name is Anna, posted a statement on Instagram saying Maria is in intensive care, that her head and face are not injured, that she has burns on her body, and that her condition is stable. The family thanked supporters for their help.
The Russian Swimming Federation said it hopes Maria will recover quickly and will continue to monitor her condition and provide any necessary assistance, according to comments reported by the Daily Mail. Shurochkina is among the most decorated Russian swimmers, having received the Order of Friendship from Vladimir Putin in 2016 after her Rio title and the Order of Honor in 2021 after her Tokyo title.
