Maxim Naumov Shines in Olympic Debut Year After Parents’ Tragic D.C. Crash
Maxim Naumov, a U.S. figure skater, made a heartfelt Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy. This momentous occasion held special significance for him, as he carried the memory of his late parents with him. Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former world champion pairs skaters, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on January 29, 2025. The accident claimed the lives of 67 people, including many from the figure skating community.
Emotional Performance at the Milano Cortina Games
During his short program on February 10, 2026, Naumov delivered a stunning performance, fulfilling a shared dream with his parents. Just before performing, he reflected on the inspirations they provided. “I’ve been inspired by them since day one,” he stated, recalling when he first stepped on the ice surrounded by his parents.
Carrying an old photograph to the kiss-and-cry area added to the emotional weight of the moment. Naumov expressed that he could feel his parents’ support with every glide and step on the rink, stating he felt like a chess piece guided by their presence.
A Challenging Journey
Despite facing immense challenges following his parents’ death, Naumov channeled his grief into his skating. As one of the best performances of his career, he began with a quad salchow, followed by a triple axel and a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination. His impressive score of 85.65 allowed him to advance to the men’s free skate event scheduled for Friday.
- Date of performance: February 10, 2026
- Location: Milano Ice Skating Arena, Milan, Italy
- Score: 85.65
Community Support and Future Aspirations
Naumov’s parents were coaches at the Skating Club of Boston, which lost six members in the tragic crash. The emotional backing from the community was palpable, especially as many waved American flags during his performance. One fan even displayed a banner reading “Tomorrow’s Champions,” honoring the skating school founded by his parents.
Naumov’s road to the Olympics was not straightforward. After finishing fourth at the national championships consecutively, he secured his Olympic spot by placing third in January 2026. He described his performances as not about perfection, but rather about giving his all on the ice. “I wanted to go out there and just give my heart out,” he remarked.
As the Games continue, Naumov’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience. His story encapsulates how passion for sport can help one navigate through personal tragedy and continue to dream.
