Figure skater Max Naumov has qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, just one year after the tragic death of his parents in a plane crash. The incident occurred when their plane collided with a military helicopter while approaching Washington, D.C., claiming the lives of all 67 people on board.
Naumov, 24, is the son of former world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova. His remarkable achievement was announced on Sunday following a stellar performance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. With a score of 163.44 in the free skate, Naumov secured his first senior podium finish in this prestigious event.
Emotional Journey to the Olympics
During his performance, Naumov maintained his composure, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. However, he became emotional in the kiss-and-cry area, a space where skaters often express their feelings after routines. He held up a cherished photograph from his childhood, showing him at three years old stepping onto the ice for the first time with his parents by his side.
“Sharing the vulnerability with the audience and me feeling their energy back has been something I remember for the rest of my life,” Naumov told reporters.
Last year, Naumov placed fourth at the national championships, returning home early from a development camp in Wichita, Kansas. His parents remained behind for the camp and were on their return flight when the crash occurred, which also claimed the lives of many young skaters who had trained under Naumov’s parents.
In a poignant memory, Naumov recalled discussing the Olympics with his parents shortly before their passing. His short program, which featured a quad salchow and concluded with a triple-triple combination, placed him in contention as he headed into the free skate.
Looking Ahead
Naumov remarked on the support he feels from his father, saying, “My dad would have told me to keep fighting for that salchow.” With this inspiring mindset, he will join Team USA, competing alongside teammates Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev in the men’s figure skating event.
As Naumov prepares for his Olympic debut, he reflects on the challenges he has faced over the past year, channeling his grief into a fierce determination to succeed on the international stage. The upcoming Winter Games represent not only a personal milestone but also a tribute to the legacy of his parents, who profoundly influenced his career.
Naumov’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and the enduring support of family, as he aims to fulfill the dreams shared with his late parents.
