A 14-year-old figure skater, Maria Simonova, was discharged from the hospital after sustaining a fall on the ice during the All-Russian competition held in honor of the President of the Moscow Figure Skating Federation (FFKM). The news about her release came from her own team through a fan account on Telegram, reassuring fans and supporters that she was headed home and feeling fine. She expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who visited, offered kind words, sent gifts, or simply checked on her wellbeing. The warmth and encouragement she received from the skating community and beyond left a lasting impression on her, with the athlete noting how surprised she was by the sheer volume of messages and support she received.
According to Nina Moser, a respected figure in Russian skating who has been honored as a Coach of Russia and served as the General Director for the Moscow Figure Skating Federation, the athlete had been diagnosed with a concussion. The medical evaluation confirmed a head injury requiring monitoring and appropriate rest before resuming training and competition. This development was shared to keep the public informed about her health status and ensure transparency throughout the recovery process.
During the performance, Simonova skated alongside partner Martin Breslavsky. After the fall, Breslavsky managed to rise and complete the routine, while medical staff moved the injured skater to a nearby medical facility for evaluation. The incident prompted immediate attention from the venue’s medical team and subsequent assessment at a Moscow hospital. There had been discussions in the media about possible short-term memory concerns following the event, though official updates emphasized the priority of medical evaluation and patient safety.
In their competitive history, Simonova and Breslavsky earned a solid result at the Moscow Cup for the 2023/24 season, finishing in second place behind Varvara Medvedeva and Pavel Astakhov, trailing by a noticeable margin. Earlier that season they also placed fourth at the Moscow Championships, building on a prior season in which they had secured bronze medals at the same event. These outcomes reflect a period of strong, developing performance for the pair, balanced by the realities of junior- and transitional-level competition.
There have also been personal notes about Simonova’s inspirations and influences within the sport. An American former national champion mentioned that her idol is a Russian figure skater, underscoring the cross-cultural admiration that often characterizes the figure skating community. This sentiment highlights the wide network of fans and athletes who follow the sport across borders, drawing connections between champions from different nations.