On Wednesday, June 8, it became known regarding the death of the famous Kaliningrad athlete and politician Andrei Shumilin. “Klops” talked with friends and colleagues of Andrei Anatolyevich.
“Thanks to his support, our wrestlers demonstrate incredible results”
Natalya Ishchenko, Minister of Sports of the Kaliningrad Region, five-time Olympic champion:
“A huge loss not only for Kaliningrad, but for all domestic sports. Andrey Anatolyevich was one of the key leaders of regional sports – both as head of the Olympic Council of the region and as vice president of the regional wrestling federation. He delved into all issues, personally inspected sports facilities, conducted master classes with children, advocated the further development of not only his favorite sport, but also as many different disciplines as possible. Thanks to his contribution, will and support, our wrestlers demonstrate incredible results, and in the triumph of Musa Evloev there is also a piece of Andrey Shumilin’s timely assistance.
He was an example and a motivator for us, the initiator of many grandiose projects and an active lobbyist for a healthy lifestyle. Kaliningrad sport mourns and will definitely keep the memory of one of the brightest pupils in the entire more than 75-year history.”
“Without exaggeration, a native person”
Alexey Shemarov, master of sports, three times world champion, multiple winner of Russian competitions, freestyle wrestler:
“For me, given the difference in age, he was and remains a role model. An example in everything: how to build family relationships, how to behave in society, how to raise children. On all issues that concerned me, I ran to consult my senior comrade. He always gave me the right advice. For me, Andrei Anatolyevich, without exaggeration, is a dear person: like a father and an older brother at the same time. We saw each other almost daily, being in different cities, he was interested in my fate. For over 20 years I have been by his side.
For us, this is a great loss and an irreplaceable loss. One of the few people who wanted to do the best for the city. I wanted to do not for myself, but for the people – a real servant of the people. In general, I don’t remember him refusing anyone, he is a kind person with a pure soul. The saying “They take the best”, now it is appropriate.
“I loved my small homeland”
Anton Alikhanov, governor of the Kaliningrad region, wrote in his Telegram channel:
“Today, following almost a year of fighting a serious illness, Andrey Shumilin left us. A real Kaliningrader and just a good person. An athlete, a wrestler, in every sense of the word, he loved his country very much and did a lot for his native city and region. I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Andrey Anatolyevich.
“Our friend passed away”
Andrey Kropotkin, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Kaliningrad Region
“Our friend, a party member, Andrey Shumilin, passed away. Andrey Anatolyevich was a true patriot, loving his land, who devoted a lot of time and effort to the development of sports in our region. This is an irreplaceable loss! I express my sincere condolences to Andrey’s family and friends.”
Andrey Shumilin received the title of Honored Master of Sports for high results and numerous victories. He was elected president of the Olympic Council of the Kaliningrad Region. For many years he worked as vice-president of the Wrestling Federation of the region, a deputy of the city council and the regional duma (more recently, the legislature).