Sergei Kulbach

Sergei Kulbach (24 November 1992 – 23 May 2023) was a Ukrainian pair skater. He won national titles with former partners Elizaveta Usmantseva and Natalja Zabijako. With Zabijako, he also competed at the 2011 World Championships, placing 16th.

Career From 2008 to 2009, Kulbach competed with Anna Khnychenkova for Ukraine.

In 2010, Kulbach teamed up with Natalja Zabijako to represent Estonia. After debuting at the 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy, the pair placed 13th at the 2011 European Championships and 16th at the 2011 World Championships. Zabijako injured her back as a result of a fall at the NRW Trophy in December 2011, preventing them from competing at the 2012 European Championships. On 15 February 2012, it was reported that Zabijako and Kulbach had parted ways and he had returned to Ukraine.

In 2012, Kulbach teamed up with Elizaveta Usmantseva to compete for Ukraine but their partnership was short-lived.

Death

Kulbach died on 23 May 2023 by fire accident in an apartment on Ivan Gundulića Street in Sisak, Croatia. On Wednesday, 24 May, the police officers of the Sisak-Moslavina Police Department, conducted an investigation, which determined that the fire was caused by the burning of the bed with the embers of a cigarette or a cigarette butt.

Programs With Zabijako

Season Short program Free skating 2011–2012 Russian folk music Conquest of Paradise 2010–2011 Middle Eastern composition Tribute Nostalgia Until the Last Moment

With Khnychenkova Season Short program Free skating 2008–2009 Emir Kusturica film soundtracks Ukrainian folk music

Competitive highlights JGP: Junior Grand Prix

With Usmantseva for Ukraine International Event 2012–13 NRW Trophy 6th J. Toruń Cup 3rd J. National Ukrainian Championships 1st J. = Junior level

With Zabijako for Estonia International Event 2010–11 2011–12 World Championships 16th European Championships 13th NRW Trophy 5th 3rd International: Junior Estonia 4th National Estonian Championships 1st

With Khnychenkova for Ukraine International Event 2008–09 World Junior Championships 20th Czech Republic 14th United Kingdom 17th National Ukrainian Championships 2nd