Silvija Skulme, a celebrated Latvian basketball player and academic, died on February 9, 2026, at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer, according to reports from Latvian media outlets. Skulme was a key member of the Rīgas TTT team that dominated European basketball for nearly a decade.
Born in Riga on June 7, 1950, Skulme played as a point guard for Rīgas TTT from 1968 to 1977, securing seven European Champion Clubs’ Cups and six Soviet Union championships. She also earned a European Junior Championship title in 1969 while representing the Soviet Union national team. Her son, Rūdolfs Brēmanis, a member of the Riga City Council, announced her passing, noting her resilience throughout her illness.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Skulme pursued a career in education, earning a doctorate in pedagogy with a focus on sports science. She served as a senior lecturer at the Latvian State Physical Culture Institute and held a position as the acting head of the Sports Games Department. Later in life, she became a master engraver and an expert in engraving function.
In recent years, Skulme was actively involved with the “TTT Ladies Club,” serving as its chairperson for five years. Brēmanis highlighted his mother’s dedication to supporting others facing similar health challenges. “My mother had around 100 chemotherapy treatments,” he stated. “During this time, she met many oncology patients, created groups and chats on Facebook, shared her experiences and advice. She truly fought a very long battle.”
Skulme’s commitment extended beyond traditional medical treatments. Brēmanis described her proactive approach to wellness, including regular exercise and exploration of alternative therapies. “Mom constantly tested and tried things. She said, ‘tried is not lost.’ That helped her psychologically,” he said.
She also became a source of encouragement for others battling cancer, offering support and advice through online communities and personal conversations. Brēmanis noted that his mother often received calls from patients seeking guidance, and she readily shared her experiences. “Mom really wanted to cheer up others, tirelessly assuring them that they must never supply up,” he said.
Skulme’s family has deep roots in Latvian culture, with relatives including Oto Skulme, Uga Skulme, and Džemma Skulme. Her husband, Edgar Brēmanis, predeceased her, as did her chihuahua, Dabītis, who was a companion throughout her illness.
A memorial service was held on February 14, 2026, at the Raiņa Cemetery chapel in Riga. The Latvian Basketball Union and the TTT Ladies Club expressed their condolences to the family.
