Maxim Naumov Honors Parents with Unforgettable Olympic Skate

Maxim Naumov honored the memory of his late parents during his emotional short program at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The event took place at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, where Naumov delivered a heartfelt performance that fulfilled a long-shared dream with his parents.

Tragic Loss and Inspiration

Naumov’s parents, former pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, tragically passed away in a plane crash on January 29, 2025. More than 67 people died in this accident, including over two dozen from the figure skating community. The crash occurred when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport, ultimately landing in the icy Potomac River.

A Dream Fulfilled

Before the Olympic games, one of Naumov’s last conversations with his parents revolved around the requirements for Olympic success. “I’ve been inspired by them since day one,” he stated. To remember them, he brought an old photograph of a special moment to the event, where he stood between his parents during his first ice skating lesson.

Memorable Performance

The 24-year-old skater opened with a quad salchow, followed by a triple axel and a triple lutz-triple toe loop. As he performed to “Nocturne No. 20” by Frederic Chopin, the audience erupted with applause. Feeling his parents’ presence, Naumov slid to a stop on his knees and looked skyward, expressing gratitude for their support.

A Journey of Healing

The aftermath of the tragedy was challenging for Naumov. Initially, the simplest tasks felt insurmountable. However, he found renewed purpose in figure skating, motivated by the Olympic dream he once shared with his parents. After finishing third at the U.S. Championships in January, he solidified his spot at the Olympics.

Future Aspirations

Naumov’s performance earned him a score of 85.65, securing his advancement to the men’s free skate set for Friday night. He expressed his desire to pour his heart into the performances without regrets. “I wanted to give everything I had,” he noted.

Community Support

The crowd supported Naumov, waving American flags throughout his program. A significant banner read “Tomorrow’s Champions,” celebrating both his parents’ legacy and the skating school they founded, which Naumov now oversees.

As the Olympics continue, Maxim Naumov’s story of resilience and tribute to his parents highlights the power of perseverance in the face of profound loss. With one performance down, all eyes now turn to his upcoming free skate as he strives to honor his parents’ memory and fulfill their shared dream.