Colleagues and fans remember Pavel Krotov as a warm, brave, and thoughtful freestyle skier who left a lasting impression on the sport. The Russian Freestyle Federation offers its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. The sense of loss is felt across the entire freestyle community as they reflect on his dedication and the energy he brought to every competition.
The incident occurred on March 25, and while details about the death were not initially disclosed, the sport’s community began to seek clarity for those who watched Pavel compete for years. The federation’s president, Alexei Kurashov, expressed sorrow over the news, noting that there was no information or medical conclusion available yet. He described Pavel as a young man who was alive, active, and pursuing his career, and he lamented the sudden turn of events that affected him and those around him.
Sergei Ridzik, a teammate with the Russian national team, told media outlets that autopsy arrangements were planned for March 26 to determine the cause of death. He emphasized his lack of firsthand knowledge about the circumstances and explained that while he had shared training camps and competitions with Pavel, he was not his teammate in the strictest sense. The purpose of the autopsy was to provide clarity about what had occurred.
Alexander Pongilsky, head coach of the Russian freestyle team, indicated that Pavel passed away in his sleep. The investigation was set to continue with an autopsy scheduled for March 27 to gather more comprehensive information about the death and its context within Pavel’s recent health and training history.
For many in the sport, the news was a profound blow. The coach acknowledged the lack of information at the time and explained that the autopsy would offer a clearer picture on the coming Monday. He noted that Pavel had been dealing with a knee injury after the Olympic season and had been focusing on health and recovery in preparation for a potential return to competition. The coach conveyed his condolences and highlighted Pavel’s resilience and commitment to his sport, underscoring the impact of this loss on the broader freestyle community.
Born on April 24, 1992, in Yaroslavl, Pavel began his journey at Yaroslavl Children’s Youth Sports School No. 3, a program that later earned the status of a private school of Olympic reserve. His early success was evident in January 2011 when he clinched the Russian Championship, a win that opened the door to national team responsibilities. That same year he debuted on the World Cup circuit in Mont Gabriel, a venue that later hosted events in Canada. In a subsequent season he secured his first World Cup gold at the same venue, signaling the ascent of a promising freestyle athlete.
The 2014 Sochi Olympic Games marked a notable milestone as Pavel finished among the top ten athletes. Although he faced fierce competition and a challenging climb in the following years, he remained a central figure on the team, contributing to its growth and its pursuit of medals. In 2019, the Russian team achieved first place in the team competition at the Freestyle World Cup held in China, accumulating 316.66 points. Pavel Krotov joined Lyubov Nikitina and Maxim Burov in that victory, ahead of the Chinese teams that claimed second and third places with 312.12 and 286.86 points respectively. This result stood as one of the high points of his competitive career.
Perhaps the most successful year in Pavel’s career came in 2021, when he earned bronze in aerobatics at the World Championships held in Kazakhstan and helped secure gold in team events. His career faced serious injuries along the way, including a significant ankle fracture in November 2012 that briefly sidelined him before he resumed training in December. In April 2013 Pavel underwent knee surgery, yet he continued to pursue his sport with determination and focus on rehabilitation and return to competition. Throughout his years on the ice and in the air, he demonstrated a remarkable blend of athletic skill and resilience that inspired teammates, coaches, and fans alike.