Figure skater Max Naumov has secured a place on Team USA for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, a significant achievement just one year after the tragic loss of his parents in a plane crash. Naumov, 24, the son of former world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, showcased his talent at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, earning a score of 163.44 in the free skate, which marked his first podium finish in his senior career.
Emotional Journey to the Olympics
During his performance on Thursday, Naumov managed to maintain his composure despite the emotional weight of the moment. As he received a standing ovation from the audience, he was visibly moved in the kiss-and-cry area, a designated space for skaters to react after their routines. He held up a cherished photo of himself at the age of three, flanked by his parents as he took to the ice for the first time at the International Skating Center of Connecticut.
“Sharing the vulnerability with the audience and me feeling their energy back has been something I remember for the rest of my life,”
Naumov expressed to reporters after his performance. This heartfelt moment underscores the personal journey he has faced since the tragic accident that claimed the lives of his parents and 65 others when their plane collided with a military helicopter while approaching Washington, D.C.
Naumov’s parents had attended a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, when the crash occurred. He had returned home early, while they were traveling back separately. The loss has profoundly impacted him, especially considering that many young skaters in the crash looked up to his parents as mentors.
A Legacy of Strength and Determination
Reflecting on his parents’ support, Naumov recalled one of their last conversations, which centered on his aspirations for the Olympics. His performance on Thursday included a quad salchow and a triple-triple combination, earning him a temporary lead and solidifying his position for the free skate on Saturday. He emphasized his father’s encouragement in his journey, stating, “My dad would have told me to keep fighting for that salchow.”
With this accomplishment, Naumov will join teammates Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev as part of the U.S. men’s figure skating team. His selection is not only a personal victory but also a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, as he prepares to represent the United States on the world stage.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the emotional journey of Naumov as he steps into a new chapter of his life and career.
