Max Naumov, a promising figure skater, secured his place on Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, just a year after the tragic loss of his parents in a plane crash. The incident occurred when their aircraft collided with a military helicopter while approaching Washington, D.C. on March 29, 2023, claiming the lives of 67 individuals, including many young skaters who admired Naumov’s parents, former world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.
On Thursday, Naumov delivered an impressive performance at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, achieving a score of 163.44 in the free skate, which marked his first podium finish at the senior level. This accomplishment reflects his resilience and dedication in the face of personal tragedy. As he skated, the audience erupted in a standing ovation, a moment that underscored the emotional weight of his journey.
In the emotional embrace of the “kiss-and-cry” area, Naumov held up a photograph of himself at just three years old, flanked by his parents as he took to the ice for the first time. “Sharing the vulnerability with the audience and feeling their energy back has been something I remember for the rest of my life,” he explained to reporters, highlighting the profound connection he felt during his performance.
Last year, Naumov finished fourth at the national championships. He returned home from Wichita on an earlier flight while his parents remained to attend a development camp. Tragically, they were on their way home when the crash occurred. Naumov recalled one of their last conversations, which centered on his aspirations for the Olympics and the effort required to earn a spot on the team in Italy.
His short program on Thursday night, which began with a quad salchow and concluded with a triple-triple combination, positioned him briefly in the lead, keeping him in contention ahead of Saturday’s free skate. “My dad would have told me to keep fighting for that salchow,” Naumov remarked, drawing on the supportive spirit of his father as he prepared for the next stage of competition.
Naumov will join his teammates, Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev, in representing the United States in men’s figure skating at the upcoming Winter Olympics. The excitement surrounding his Olympic journey resonates deeply, as he embodies resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Naumov expressed his gratitude and joy: “Dream come true ✨ Maxim Naumov is headed to his first Winter Olympics.” With his incredible talent and determination, he aims to honor his parents’ legacy while pursuing his Olympic dreams.
