Maxim Naumov Wins Winter Olympics, Honors Parents Lost in Crash

Naumov dedicates gold medal to his parents, former figure skating champions who died in a tragic plane accident.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Maxim Naumov, a 23-year-old figure skater from Russia, won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, dedicating his victory to his parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were former world pairs champions and two-time Olympians. Tragically, Naumov's parents died in a plane crash near Washington, D.C. last year when their flight collided with a U.S. Army helicopter, killing all 67 people on board.

Why it matters

Naumov's emotional win and tribute to his late parents struck a chord with audiences around the world, highlighting the personal sacrifices and tragedies that elite athletes sometimes face on their journeys to the Olympics. The crash that killed Naumov's parents was one of the worst sporting disasters in recent memory.

The details

Maxim Naumov, who was born in Moscow, Russia, delivered a flawless performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, earning the gold medal in the men's figure skating competition. During his victory skate, Naumov wore a costume that paid homage to his parents, who were both former world champion figure skaters. After winning, Naumov broke down in tears as he dedicated his gold medal to Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who tragically died in a plane crash near Washington, D.C. on January 29, 2025.

  • Naumov's parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, died in a plane crash on January 29, 2025.
  • Maxim Naumov won the gold medal in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A 23-year-old figure skater from Russia who won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Evgenia Shishkova

Maxim Naumov's mother, who was a former world champion figure skater and two-time Olympian.

Vadim Naumov

Maxim Naumov's father, who was a former world champion figure skater and two-time Olympian.

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What they’re saying

“Mom and Dad this is for you,”

— Maxim Naumov

The takeaway

Naumov's emotional victory and tribute to his late parents serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices and tragedies that elite athletes sometimes face on their journeys to the Olympics. His story has inspired people around the world and highlighted the importance of honoring the memory of loved ones.