International sport star, 25, dies as unhappy tributes paid to ‘cherished’ team-mate
An international rugby star has died at the age of just 25, sparking heartbreaking tributes from her former coach, team-mates and friends.
Ex-Polish national rugby team player Polina Krakowska’s death was confirmed by her former club Black Roses Poznan. Her cause of death has not been made public. Polina, who later competed in jiu-jitsu, is said to have died in Poznan, Poland, where she lived with her family.
Born in Ukraine, Krakowska later gained Polish citizenship and became a key figure in women’s rugby in Poznan. She played several seasons for Black Roses Poznan during what are remembered as some of the most successful years in the club’s women’s section.
In a statement released on Monday, December 15, Black Roses Poznan said: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Polina Krakowska (Kharlamova). Together with the entire club, we express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and loved ones.”
Tributes have poured in from team-mates, coaches, and friends, as reported by NeedToKnow. Coach Makina said: “These were the heydays of our women’s section.
“Pola was a very promising player, being called up to the Polish national team. In 2017, she played in, among other events, the European Under-18 Championships and the Olympic Hopes Tournament.
(Image: Jam Press)
(Image: Jam Press)
“She retired from rugby in the 2019/2020 season, but remained in Poznan, where she lived with her entire family.”
A friend added: “Her warmth, openness, and unconditional willingness to help were absolutely exceptional. Our colleague, and for many, a friend and soulmate, leaves behind a void, but also many important memories that we will cherish.”
Krakowska represented Poland at major youth tournaments in 2017, including the European Under-18 Championships and the Olympic Hopes Tournament.
(Image: Jam Press)
(Image: Jam Press)
(Image: Jam Press)
That same year, she played in Poland’s first-ever women’s 15-a-side rugby match, held in Ruda Śląska during the Polish-Irish Festival, facing Ireland’s Arklow RFC Amazons.
Although she retired from competitive rugby in the 2019/2020 season, Krakowska remained active in sport, training in martial arts as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and representing the Gracie Barra Poznan Academy.
Away from athletics, she built a professional career in healthcare, earning a master’s degree in physiotherapy from the Poznan University of Education and Therapy, and running her own orthopaedic and neurological physiotherapy and massage practice.
Polina Krakowska’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 19.
