U.S. Figure Skater Maxim Naumov Pens Emotional Tribute One Year After Losing Parents

Naumov's parents, former world champions, died in a tragic plane crash in 2025.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:55am

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A year after losing his parents Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, former world figure skating champions who coached him, in a devastating plane crash, American figure skater Maxim Naumov has penned an emotional tribute. Naumov, who was born and raised in Connecticut, has continued to train and compete, recently qualifying for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

Naumov's story highlights the resilience and determination of athletes who face unimaginable personal tragedies, and the role that sports can play in helping them cope and find purpose in the aftermath of loss.

The details

Naumov's parents were returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, when their flight was involved in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River, claiming the lives of all 67 people aboard, including 28 from the figure skating world. Naumov, who had been training at the Skating Club of Boston under coach Vladimir Petrenko and choreographer Benoît Richaud, has continued to compete and recently qualified for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, where he will represent the U.S. alongside teammates Ilia Malinin and Jason Brown.

  • On January 29, 2025, Naumov's parents were killed in a plane crash.
  • One year later, on January 30, 2026, Naumov penned an emotional tribute to his parents.
  • In 2026, Naumov qualified for the Milan Winter Olympics.

The players

Maxim Naumov

An American figure skater who lost his parents, former world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, in a tragic plane crash in 2025.

Vadim Naumov

Maxim Naumov's father, who was a former world figure skating pairs champion and Maxim's coach.

Evgenia Shishkova

Maxim Naumov's mother, who was a former world figure skating pairs champion and Maxim's coach.

Vladimir Petrenko

Maxim Naumov's current head coach at the Skating Club of Boston.

Benoît Richaud

Maxim Naumov's choreographer at the Skating Club of Boston.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to believe that it's already been one full year. The most difficult year of my entire life. I still find myself waking up some days and just wondering why? How could this all have happened? For what reason? Why were they taken away from me so soon? Unfortunately, there are always more questions than answers.”

— Maxim Naumov (Instagram)

“Both of you have always been my superheroes. And now, you really are flying over me and protecting me. I pray that you are at peace. May god bless your hearts.”

— Maxim Naumov (Instagram)

“I can't describe how difficult it was in the very beginning, and through month after month of just really, really trying my hardest to keep a positive mindset and focus on day-to-day.”

— Maxim Naumov (CBS News)

“Thankfully skating became a tool that actually helped me overcome all of that.”

— Maxim Naumov (CBS News)

What’s next

Naumov will make his Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy.

The takeaway

Naumov's emotional journey and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, demonstrating the power of sports to provide solace and purpose in the darkest of times.