Maxim Naumov, a figure skater for Team USA, has competed in the Winter Olympics, one year after his parents tragically died in a plane crash. Naumov's Olympic debut in the men's short program was an emotional event, marked by his carrying and displaying a photograph of his late parents. This participation fulfills a shared dream he held with them.
Background and Tragedy
Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, Maxim Naumov's parents, were accomplished figure skaters themselves, having been world champions in pairs skating before immigrating to the United States in 1998. They later became respected coaches and started a youth academy.
On January 2025, Naumov's parents were among the 67 people who died when a commercial flight crashed over the Potomac River near Washington D.C. The flight had departed Wichita, Kansas, and was near landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The passengers were returning from a national figure skating development camp.
This event deeply impacted Maxim Naumov, who was unsure if he would continue his skating career. He has spoken about how the tragedy has led him to express himself with greater depth through his performances, seeking to extend his family's Olympic legacy.
Olympic Debut and Tribute
Naumov made his Olympic debut on February 10th in Milan. After completing his performance, he held up a photograph of himself with his parents, a gesture that drew emotional reactions from spectators and marked a significant personal moment. He has stated that this act was "therapeutic in a way."
He also wears a gold cross necklace, received on his baptism day, and a white gold ring with a diamond, which belonged to his father.
The skater qualified for the Olympics after winning a bronze medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January, almost exactly one year after his parents' deaths. He was selected for the men's team alongside Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev.
Support and Coaching
Following his parents' deaths, Naumov took over coaching duties at the club they founded.
For his head coach, he hired Vladimir Petrenko, a longtime family friend.
Ongoing Grief and Resilience
Naumov has described his grieving process as an ongoing effort, setting aside time weekly to connect with his parents' memory.
He acknowledged the difficulty, stating he "doesn't have the strength" at times, yet finds motivation in his parents' memory and resilience, feeling they "have his back." His performance in the short program was a season's best, scoring 85.65.
