Figure Skater Maxim Naumov Overcomes Tragedy to Reach Olympics

Naumov lost both parents in a 2025 plane crash but credits 'resilience' for making the U.S. Olympic team.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Maxim Naumov, a figure skater competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, overcame the tragic loss of his parents in a 2025 plane crash to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Naumov credits his 'resilience' and the support of the figure skating community for helping him achieve his Olympic dream despite the immense personal tragedy he has faced.

Why it matters

Naumov's story of perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss resonates with many and highlights the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. His journey to the Olympics also showcases the tight-knit figure skating community that rallied around him during his darkest times.

The details

Naumov's parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were both former Olympic figure skaters themselves who died in a plane crash in 2025 while traveling from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Despite the devastating loss, Naumov was determined to continue pursuing his Olympic dreams, crediting his 'resilience' and the support of the figure skating community for helping him achieve his goal of making the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.

  • Naumov's parents died in a plane crash on January 29, 2025.
  • Naumov qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in February 2026.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A figure skater competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics who overcame the tragic loss of his parents in a 2025 plane crash to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Vadim Naumov

Maxim Naumov's father, who was a former Olympic figure skater.

Evgenia Shishkova

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

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What they’re saying

“You know, it's just all about resilience. It's all about being resilient. That's the feeling and the mentality that I've clung onto this entire season.”

— Maxim Naumov, Figure Skater (Olympics.com)

“I find that in times of really difficult emotional stress, if you can just push yourself a little bit more, almost think, 'What if? What if I can do it? What if - despite everything that happened to me - I can still go out there and do it?'”

— Maxim Naumov, Figure Skater (Olympics.com)

“The thing that has brought me the most joy this year is the entire figure skating community. I don't know what I do without it, honestly. I'm so grateful and thankful to be a part of this community, having people by my side and guiding me and helping me achieve the things that I want to do has made the biggest difference.”

— Maxim Naumov, Figure Skater (Olympics.com)

What’s next

Naumov will begin his individual Olympic competition on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Maxim Naumov's story of perseverance in the face of unimaginable tragedy serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity with resilience and the support of a tight-knit community.