Chin thinks that the plane crash will disrupt the pipeline of Asian Americans going into competitive figure skating. “That’s going to create this ripple effect that is going to be really hard to rebuild. The impact of the ripple effect will be especially devastating for folks who skated with these athletes, folks who trained in the same facilities, folks who saw them as a rising star, people who follow them on social media,” she says. “To no longer be able to see their athletic excellence is going to be difficult, and it’s going to be a big ask for them to sort of rise up and to fill those spots.” She hopes that their legacy will encourage even younger skaters to continue to thrive and to pursue their dreams. 

“You always have to not only prove your abilities, but you have to prove that you belong as well. That despite not being white, despite being Asian, you still deserve to represent your country, your community, your federation.”

Vu believes that Asian American athletes need to overcome the perception that they are not physically capable of competing at a professional level. She thinks this stereotype is the reason why it took so long to see Asian American athletes competing internationally. “The model minority has a lot to do with stereotypes as well. ‘Do not talk loud, do not overstep’ and sometimes, it’s interpreted as being weak. So you always have to fight against those stereotypes, and those stereotypes become cultural and institutional,” she says. “So you always have to prove yourself more. You always have to not only prove your abilities, but you have to prove that you belong as well. That despite not being white, despite being Asian, you still deserve to represent your country, your community, your federation.”

She believes that skaters like Yamaguchi and Kwan paved the way for the athletes that were in that plane. “Because when you … put at the front diversity, it’s a statement. It’s a statement that the sport community, or the sports federation, believes in diversity and makes a statement on fighting racism. So then you open the door for younger athletes to join the sport, to be able to [see] themselves in that sport,” she says.

No politics, just solidarity and honoring the fallen

Ma is adamantly against anyone politicizing this tragedy. He believes that Trump’s comments about DEI were highly inappropriate and condemns any politician or public figure of any ideological persuasion who try to instrumentalize this disaster. “It’s never sat right with me before, but when it happens to you, it feels even worse. Real lives are lost. Whatever religion you believe in, whatever God you believe in, whatever politician you support—do not make this about that,” he says, adding that people need to be in solidarity with each other at this moment. “Go to your loved ones, hug them, kiss them, and just be the best version that you could be. For yourself, first, and then for others.”