Olympic gymnast Liliya Akhaimova recounts moments at Crocus City Mall during a terrorist incident
Olympic champion Liliya Akhaimova was at the Crocus City shopping center when a terrorist attack began, as reported by Match TV. According to the account, she was at a fitness club nearby and headed to the mall for a meal when the alarm to evacuate sounded. People began to rush from the building, yet Akhaimova remained composed long enough to exit calmly, get into a car, and drive away before traffic congestion formed.
She described that maintaining composure is something she has learned through training, but the scene was unsettling as the evacuation unfolded. While crowds pushed and hurried, she moved deliberately to avoid slipping or stumbling. The athlete noted that she was unharmed and continued to monitor the situation from a safe distance. On March 22, Akhaimova spoke about the incident and confirmed that she was fine. There were later reports indicating a pregnancy announcement during the period, with updates shared on March 22.
Initial reports placed the attack at the Crocus City Mall on March 2, involving gunfire followed by an explosion. Early casualty figures indicated dozens injured, and authorities were preparing to investigate. The venue had been hosting a concert by the Piknik group on the evening of the incident, which was postponed as events at the mall were disrupted.
In the sporting world, Akhaimova achieved the status of overall Olympic champion with Russia’s team at the Tokyo Games, alongside teammates Victoria Listunova, Vladislava Urazova, and Angelina Melnikova. She has also earned world silver medals in 2018 and 2019, a European championship gold in 2018, and a Universiade gold in 2017. Contemporary coverage notes that public events in Moscow and nearby areas faced cancellations in the aftermath of the incident, underscoring the broader disruption to daily life and public gatherings.
This account reflects the evolving narrative of an athlete whose career spans multiple major championships, while also highlighting the impact of security incidents on large urban centers. Observers and fans continue to follow developments closely, with authorities emphasizing safety and continuity of public life in the wake of such events. No further details about the investigation have been released in the most recent updates.