20-year-old weightlifter died training in Staiki
Zhenya Shramko wanted to join Belarus national team and to take part in the European championship. But he has died of a cardiac arrest.
“Zhenya complained of some pain in his chest. The doctor gave him pills and he went to his room to take a rest," one of Yauhen Shramko's fellow weightlifters said. "He was found dead later, facedown on the pillow..."
The tragedy occurred in the sports complex "Staiki" on February 23. Yuahen Shramko was 20 years old and trained in Minsk sports school of the Olympic reserve in Beruta Street. He took the fourth position in Belarus Cup in February 2012 and was third at the Belarusian championship three months later.
But Yauhen's life was not limited to weightlifting only. He was a student of the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Belarus . Still, he dreamt of becoming a member of Belarus national weightlifting team and taking part in the European championship in April.
“He went to bed and did not wake up. The autopsy revealed cardiac decomposition in him. Something incomprehensible happened. I know that he did not smoke or drink alcohol," state weightlifting coach Mikaial Zaharanka said. "He was not a member of the national team. But the guy was promising and they thought of taking him to the team but... it is too late. I have never heard of such a young weightlifter's death."
Relatives and friends parted with Yauhen Shramko on February 25. Moved by the tragedy, Belarusian weightlifters are posting their colleague's photos in social networks.
“I do not want to believe it. We communicated a lot in the past few weeks," Yuliya, participant of the training session in Staiki, wrote in social networks. "He was a good weightlifter and a wonderful person with a good sense of humour. If I could make a wish I would like him to come back. I cannot find words to present my condolences to his parents. I remember about you."
Tragedies have already occurred in Belarus national weightlifting team before. World championship medal-winner Syarhei Lahun died in a car crash in April 2011. One more athlete, Yauhen Zharnasek, was badly injured then.
