Maxim Naumov completes Olympic dream after overcoming personal tragedy

The 24-year-old figure skater finished 20th in the men's singles competition in Milan.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old figure skater from Massachusetts, recently competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Naumov finished 20th in the men's singles competition, completing his Olympic dream despite facing immense personal tragedy. After the death of his parents, who were his coaches, Naumov wasn't sure he would continue skating, but with the support of his parents' friend Vladimir Petrenko and choreographer Benoît Richaud, he was able to train and qualify for the Olympics.

Why it matters

Naumov's story highlights the resilience and determination of athletes who overcome significant personal challenges to pursue their Olympic dreams. His journey also shines a light on the tight-knit figure skating community and the ways in which they support one another, even in the face of tragedy.

The details

During his free skate performance, Naumov fell twice on his attempts at quad Salchows, but he said he "gave everything that I possibly could have to that program" and that he "didn't give up from the start to the finish." Despite the technical mistakes, Naumov was proud of his effort and the journey that brought him to the Olympics.

  • Naumov's parents, who were his coaches, died prior to the Olympics.
  • Naumov connected with Vladimir Petrenko, his parents' old friend, to guide him in his training.
  • Naumov spent six weeks in Italy fine-tuning his approach with choreographer Benoît Richaud.
  • Naumov competed in the men's singles figure skating competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy on February 14, 2026.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A 24-year-old figure skater from Massachusetts who competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Vladimir Petrenko

A friend of Naumov's parents who helped guide him in his training after their passing.

Benoît Richaud

A sought-after choreographer who worked with Naumov for six weeks in Italy to fine-tune his approach.

Doug Zeghibe

The CEO and executive director of the Skating Club of Boston, where Naumov trains.

Tom Wilson

A hockey player on Team Canada that Naumov has been messaging with during the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I gave everything that I possibly could have to that program. I didn't give up from the start to the finish; that is something I can be proud of.”

— Maxim Naumov

“Along the way, they meet hardships and challenges and unspeakable and unforeseeable things before finally reaching their goal and being successful.”

— Doug Zeghibe, CEO and executive director of the Skating Club of Boston (Boston Globe)

“It's not something I shy away from or anything. It's part of my life, it's the truth ... It's something that [it] helps me to talk about.”

— Maxim Naumov (Boston Globe)

What’s next

Naumov plans to stay in Milan through the rest of the Olympics to support his fellow Skating Club of Boston athlete Spencer Howe, who is competing in the pairs competition. When he returns to Massachusetts, Naumov will resume his work leading the Tomorrow's Champions training program that his parents founded in Norwood.

The takeaway

Maxim Naumov's journey to the Olympics is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of personal tragedy. His story highlights the close-knit figure skating community and the ways in which athletes can find support and inspiration from one another, even in their darkest moments.