Olympic Year Tribute: Figure Skaters Honor D.C. Crash Victims
In a poignant tribute to the victims of the tragic D.C. crash, the figure skating community is coming together to honor the lives lost. On January 29, 2025, a catastrophic event claimed the lives of 67 individuals, including prominent figures in the figure skating world. This crash involved a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter colliding with an American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
Maxim Naumov’s Triumph and Tribute
Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old figure skater, recently made headlines after earning a bronze medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. This achievement also secured him a place on the 2026 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team. Sadly, Naumov’s journey has been marked by personal tragedy. He lost his parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, who were also his coaches, in the tragic crash.
During the championships, Naumov reflected on his family’s skating journey, stating, “Fulfilling the dream that we collectively had as a family since I first was on the ice…it means absolutely everything.” His emotional connection to the sport and his parents serves as a driving force in his career.
Community Response to Grief
The figure skating community is honoring the crash victims through various tributes. Many skaters are finding ways to process their grief and keep the memories of their lost friends and family alive. This includes:
- Memorial performances
- Making tributes during competitions
- Establishing financial and mental health resources for young skaters
Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, emphasized the community’s shift from mourning to honoring the victims’ legacies. “We’re at the point where missing them is turning into: what can we do to honor them?” he said.
Young Skaters Leading the Way
Skaters like Sofia Bezkorovainaya, 15, have drawn inspiration from their lost friends. At the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, she performed a touching number dedicated to her best friend, Everly Livingston, reminding all of the enduring impact of those who have passed. Other skaters, including Patrick Blackwell, have also used their recent competitions to honor their friends, bringing home medals as tributes.
Long-Term Initiatives for Remembrance
In the wake of the tragedy, figure skating organizations are establishing permanent ways to remember the victims. The Skating Club of Boston is creating the “Always Champions Campaign,” which will fund scholarships and name rinks in honor of the deceased skaters. Similarly, the Washington Figure Skating Club is setting up trophies and awards to commemorate their lost members.
These initiatives aim to inspire current and future generations of skaters. By cherishing the memories of those who were lost, the figure skating community hopes to foster a sense of purpose and commitment in the sport.
As the Winter Olympics approach, Naumov and his peers are determined to keep the memories of their loved ones alive on the ice. Their resilience and dedication ensure that the spirit of those lost will shine brighter in these challenging times.
