The Olympic champion has not yet reached out to her followers
Tragedy has struck the family of Ukrainian gymnast Lilia Podkopayeva, who has been living in the USA for a long time. Her mother, Lyudmila Petrychenko, has passed away.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a message on Facebook from Anna Pinzenik.
More interesting news: Alina Shamanskaya’s father has died: “From now on, an orphan”
Podkopayeva’s mother has passed away
Lyudmila Petrychenko died on Saturday, April 11.
“With deep sorrow, pain in our hearts, and Christian grief, we announce that on April 11, 2026, our beloved mother, caring grandmother, dear relative, incredibly kind, sincere, and bright soul – Lyudmila Petrychenko (mother of our beloved Lilia Podkopayeva) – has departed to eternity,” the message states.
Those close to her note that Lyudmila Petrychenko was an incredibly kind, sincere, and bright soul who lived with love for her family and care for her loved ones.
“Her earthly journey was filled with love, kindness, selflessness, and care for others. She left a bright mark in the hearts of all who had the happiness to know her,” the statement emphasizes.
The farewell to Podkopayeva’s mother will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 9:30 AM. She will be buried at Arlington Memorial Park in Georgia.
Lilia Podkopayeva’s mother (photo: facebook.com/anna.ruda)
What is known about Lilia Podkopayeva
Podkopayeva is an Olympic champion and a well-known Ukrainian gymnast who is raising three children: Vadim, Karolina, and Evelina.
The athlete’s first husband was businessman Timofey Nagorny, with whom she was married for about five years. In 2004, Podkopayeva survived an armed attack and sustained serious injuries, after which doctors warned of potential complications with childbirth.
In 2006, the couple adopted a boy named Vadim, and later the athlete gave birth to a daughter, Karolina. After her divorce from Nagorny, Podkopayeva cut off communication with him and has not been in contact for over 15 years.
Currently, the athlete is married to businessman Igor Dubinsky, whom she met in the USA. In 2019, the couple welcomed a daughter, Evelina.
Podkopayeva’s family (photo: instagram.com/podkopayeva_official)
Even more interesting news:
Lilia Podkopayeva shared archival photos of her beautiful daughter on an important day
Podkopayeva emotionally spoke out about her ex-husband.
