CT Native Maxim Naumov Competes at Olympics After Tragic Loss

Naumov fell twice in the free skate but was proud to honor his parents' memory by making it to the Games.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old figure skater from Simsbury, Connecticut, competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Despite falling twice during the free skate, Naumov was proud to have made it to the Olympics, which had been a lifelong dream he shared with his parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishova, who tragically died in a plane crash just over a year ago. Naumov held a photo of himself and his parents in the kiss-and-cry area after his performance.

Why it matters

Naumov's story resonates with many as he persevered through the unimaginable loss of his parents to fulfill their shared Olympic dream. His determination and resilience in the face of tragedy have inspired others, highlighting the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

The details

Naumov, who grew up in Simsbury and now lives in Norwood, Massachusetts, fell twice during the free skate at the Olympics, receiving a score of 137.71. However, the crowd cheered him on as he completed each jump successfully. Naumov said he was proud of himself for fighting through the mistakes and honoring his parents' memory by competing at the Games.

  • Naumov's parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishova, died in a plane crash in Washington, D.C. in January 2025.
  • Naumov asked his parents' lifelong friends, Vladimir and Elena Petrenko of Simsbury, to coach him toward an Olympic berth in July 2025.
  • Naumov finished third at the national championships in January 2026 and was announced as making the Olympic figure skating team.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A 24-year-old figure skater from Simsbury, Connecticut who competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Vadim Naumov

Maxim Naumov's father, who was an Olympic pairs skater and Maxim's coach, and died in a plane crash in 2025.

Evgenia Shishova

Maxim Naumov's mother, who was an Olympic pairs skater and Maxim's coach, and died in a plane crash in 2025.

Vladimir and Elena Petrenko

Lifelong friends of Maxim Naumov's parents who began coaching him toward an Olympic berth in 2025 after his parents' death.

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What they’re saying

“From the start to the finish, I was trying to stay calm. There were obviously some mistakes but I just fought for every single thing. Even though the landings weren't there, I fought with everything I have. I'm proud of myself for that.”

— Maxim Naumov (NBC)

“It's difficult to put into words, really. What we've dreamed of since the very beginning – I was able to make that reality. I didn't just do it for myself, I did it for them as well. I couldn't be more happy and proud of the courage and strength that I had that I was able to get to this moment.”

— Maxim Naumov (NBC)

What’s next

Naumov plans to continue his skating career and hopes to compete in the 2030 Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

Maxim Naumov's inspiring journey to the Olympics, despite the tragic loss of his parents, demonstrates the power of determination, resilience, and honoring the memory of loved ones. His story has resonated with many and serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome even the most devastating circumstances.