US Skater Completes Olympic Dream After Losing Parents

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Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old American figure skater, completed his Winter Games debut with an emotional free skate, just over a year after his parents Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were killed in a plane crash. Despite falling twice on quad salchows, Naumov received a standing ovation from the crowd, including actor Jeff Goldblum. Naumov set his free skate to a mournful ballad that reflected his personal journey of heartbreak and loss, but he found purpose in fulfilling the Olympic dream he had shared with his late parents.

Why it matters

Naumov's story highlights the resilience and perseverance of an athlete who has overcome unimaginable tragedy to pursue his Olympic dreams. His journey serves as an inspiration to others facing difficult challenges in life.

The details

Naumov, a figure skater from the Boston area, finished fourth at the national championships last January before heading home, while his parents - world pairs champions-turned-coaches - stayed behind to participate in a youth development camp. Their plane, carrying more than two dozen members of the tight-knit figure skating community, crashed, resulting in 67 fatalities. In the aftermath, Naumov struggled with even basic tasks like getting out of bed, but he ultimately found purpose in returning to the ice to fulfill the Olympic dream he had shared with his parents.

• Naumov finished fourth at the national championships in Wichita, Kansas, last January.
• Naumov's parents were killed in a plane crash on American Airlines Flight 5342 in February 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Naumov plans to continue skating and coaching at the youth academy he runs, using his Olympic experience to inspire the next generation of figure skaters.