Figure Skater Who Lost Parents in Crash Offers Advice to Olympian Ilia Malinin

Maxim Naumov encourages Malinin to focus on resilience after Olympic disappointment.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Maxim Naumov, a figure skater who lost both of his parents in a 2025 American Airlines crash, reached out to Ilia Malinin to offer advice after Malinin's disappointing performance at the Winter Olympics. Naumov emphasized the importance of resilience, telling Malinin "it's how you bounce back that's the most important." Malinin had expressed emotional struggles on social media but hinted that he would still perform in the upcoming exhibition gala.

Why it matters

Naumov's message provides perspective and encouragement to Malinin, a young figure skater who is dealing with the immense pressure and emotional challenges of competing at the Olympic level. Naumov's own experience overcoming tragedy gives him unique insight to share with Malinin as he navigates this difficult time in his career.

The details

After Malinin failed to medal in the men's figure skating final at the Winter Olympics, Naumov reached out to the young skater to offer words of support and advice. Naumov emphasized that Malinin should not tie his self-worth to his performance, saying "the fact of what happened is a reality and it shows just how real and raw it all is." Naumov believes Malinin will find a way to bounce back, saying "Knowing him, he's definitely going to respond big and I'm just praying for him."

  • Naumov lost his parents in the crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 in 2025.
  • Malinin competed in the men's figure skating final at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A figure skater who lost both of his parents in the crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 in 2025.

Ilia Malinin

A young figure skater who failed to medal in the men's figure skating final at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“This message is for Ilia specifically. I just want him to know that it's sports. It's hard. And the fact of what happened is a reality and it shows just how real and raw it all is.”

— Maxim Naumov (People)

“A lot of times we as athletes tie so much of our performance and the points [to] our own self-worth, and I just want Ilia to know that we love him and we support him and it doesn't matter. None of the skating stuff is ever going to affect that.”

— Maxim Naumov (People)

“Knowing him, he's definitely going to respond big and I'm just praying for him. I want to support him as best I can. As a teammate, as a friend and just as a human. It's tough. But that's sports. Things like that are gonna happen, and like I said, it's how you bounce back that's the most important.”

— Maxim Naumov (People)

“On the world's biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside. Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise. Vile online hatred attacks the mind and fear lures it into the darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure.”

— Ilia Malinin (Social media)

What’s next

Malinin hinted that he will perform at the February 21 exhibition gala, indicating he plans to continue competing despite his Olympic disappointment.

The takeaway

Naumov's message of resilience and support for Malinin serves as an inspiring example of how experienced athletes can uplift and encourage younger competitors facing adversity. His perspective on not tying self-worth to performance provides valuable wisdom for young athletes navigating the intense pressures of elite competition.