Figure Skater Maxim Naumov Pays Tribute to Late Parents in Olympic Performance
Maxim Naumov took to the ice at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 10, 2026, for his Olympic debut, a moment steeped in emotion as he honored his late parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who tragically died in a plane crash just a year prior.
The 24-year-old skater lit up the rink with a radiant smile while performing to Frédéric Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 20,” showcasing not only his talent but also the deep connection he felt with his family during this pivotal moment.
As he awaited his score of 85.65, Maxim held aloft a cherished photograph of himself with his parents, both of whom were accomplished figure skaters and Olympians in the early '90s. This poignant gesture underscored the emotional weight of his performance.
“I felt their presence guiding me,” Maxim shared in an interview post-performance, reflecting on the calm that enveloped him before he stepped onto the ice, a stark contrast to his usual pre-skate nerves.
Before he began, a video message resonated through the arena, where Maxim addressed his parents directly: “Mom and dad, this one is for you.” The heartfelt dedication set the tone for what would be an unforgettable performance.
Vadim, 55, and Evgenia, 52, were among over 60 passengers on American Eagle Flight 5342 when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in January 2025. This tragic incident marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters on American soil in decades.
The crash claimed the lives of fourteen members of the figure skating community, including young athletes and their families, returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
In response to a lawsuit filed by victims' families, the U.S. government indicated that air traffic controllers and Army pilots may have contributed to the disaster.
Maxim had spoken to his mother shortly before the crash. “It was actually my mom that called me,” he recounted in a March 2025 interview. “She said, ‘Hey, I just want you to know that we love you and we’re proud of you.’ It means everything to me.”
On the anniversary of their passing, Maxim took to Instagram to express his grief: “It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one full year. The most difficult year of my entire life,” he wrote. “I still find myself waking up some days and just wondering why? How could this all have happened?”
He continued with a sense of determination: “Unfortunately, there are always more questions than answers. But despite all of that I get ready, put on my coat and head out the door. Every. Single. Day. Because I have a job to do.”
Maxim concluded with a reflection on their shared dreams: “I am quickly reminded of the goal we set out to achieve when I was 5 years old. Together. As a family. Now, 19 years later, we are here. We did it.”
