A loss to skating coverage - Susan Russell of IFS Magazine has died

[Elizabeth]

From: https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/th ... d=51566372

RUSSELL, SUSAN D. October 2, 1952 – February 28, 2023
The skating community is saddened to learn of the passing of Susan D. Russell, a longtime figure skating journalist from Toronto and passionate supporter of the sport at all levels. A native of Australia, Susan had a two-decade association with International Figure Skating (IFS) Magazine, first as a freelance photographer, but eventually advancing to writing and senior editing roles. Several years ago, she acquired ownership of the publication from an American company, and also served as its publisher and editor-in-chief. Under her direction, the magazine grew to become a leading voice in the sport, and Susan also worked tirelessly to provide daily updates on IFS' website and social media channels. During her time with IFS, Susan covered four Olympic Winter Games (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018), numerous World Championships, Grand Prix Finals, and other international competitions, along with being a regular presence at national championships in Canada and the United States. She had planned to be at the recent ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Calgary, but sadly passed days before it began. Susan's family is making arrangements for her body to be returned to Australia, where she will be buried in her beloved homeland. A memorial is being planned for Toronto at a future date.

Published by Toronto Star on Apr. 5, 2023.

[kittykins]

Oh noooo...that's horrible news! I am so sorry to hear this! She was such a great representative for our favourite sport! She did a great job of IFS magazine. It became a wonderful magazine whereas before she bought it, it wasn't that great and concentrated almost exclusively on female US skaters. Do we know if the magazine will continue? Anyway, I didn't know her, but I read so much she wrote. She will be missed!!

[Elizabeth]

I have no idea about the future but the website for IFS Magazine is "parked" (with no content) and there have been no posts on their Facebook page since February 17th.

[kittykins]

Sadly, I haven't seen it for a while as Indigo has no longer carried the magazine for a couple of years. I was thinking I should get a subscription. Well I'll have to wait on that. Most importantly it's always so tragic when someone who is relatively young passes away!!