Lithuanian lawmaker and former Olympic canoeist Jevgenijus Šuklinas has died at the age of 40 following a sudden deterioration in his health.
Local media reported several weeks ago that Šuklinas underwent surgery after contracting an infection while on holiday. He had also been diagnosed with pneumonia.
Šuklinas began his political career in 2014 as a member of the Visaginas municipal council, where he served for a decade, including a period as acting mayor in 2023. He joined the Liberal Movement in 2022 and was elected to the Lithuanian parliament in 2024, representing the Nalšia northern single-member constituency.
Born in 1985 in Glazov, Russia, he held a master’s degree in public administration. Before entering politics, he achieved international success in canoeing, winning several world championship medals. He competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and originally won silver in the men’s C1 200m event. However, he was later disqualified after banned substances were found in a re-tested sample, allegations he denied.
He was also active in sports administration, leading the Šuklinas Olympic Sports Club, which supports young athletes and organises competitions and training programmes.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda described Šuklinas as “a wonderful person who loved life and inspired others with his optimism”.
“Jevgenijus Šuklinas was a strong personality in sports, politics and the community. His energy, openness and faith in people will remain a bright memory for many,” the president said, offering condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Lithuania had lost a figure active in both sport and politics, while Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas said parliament needed more “intelligent and composed” people like Šuklinas.
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