Maxim Naumov Carries Memories of Tragic Crash to Olympics

Figure skater honors parents, teammates killed in 2025 airline disaster

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:31am

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Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old figure skater, is heading to the Milan Cortina Olympics carrying the memories of his parents, former world champion skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were among the 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed in 2025. Naumov reflects on the emotional toll of the tragedy and how he is honoring the victims as he competes on the world stage.

Why it matters

The 2025 crash that claimed the lives of over two dozen members of the figure skating community was a devastating blow that rocked the tight-knit sport. Naumov's journey to the Olympics is a story of perseverance and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy, inspiring others affected by the crash and the broader figure skating world.

The details

Naumov, whose parents were coaches at the renowned Skating Club of Boston, was not on the flight that crashed into a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people on board. Many of the victims were young skaters, coaches, and their family members returning from a development camp. In the aftermath, Naumov struggled to cope with the loss, but eventually joined in organizing a benefit that raised over $1 million for the victims' families. Now, Naumov is taking his dream to the Olympics, carrying the memories of his parents and those lost in the crash with him.

  • On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter, killing all 67 people on board.
  • In the weeks following the crash, Naumov struggled to cope with the loss of his parents and the broader figure skating community.
  • One year later, in 2026, Naumov finished third at the U.S. Championships, earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the Milan Cortina Games.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A 24-year-old figure skater who is heading to the Milan Cortina Olympics, carrying the memories of his parents, former pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were killed in the 2025 airline crash.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov

Maxim Naumov's parents, who were former pairs world champion skaters and coaches at the Skating Club of Boston. They were among the 67 people killed in the 2025 airline crash.

Spencer Howe

A close friend of Maxim Naumov who was by his side in the aftermath of the 2025 airline crash.

Ilia Malinin

A three-time world champion figure skater who is the favorite to win Olympic gold and often trains with members of the Washington Figure Skating Club.

Anthony Ponomarenko

A figure skater who will be making his Olympic debut in ice dancing and had a special connection with Maxim Naumov in the aftermath of the 2025 tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“We all have that same bond, this unspoken, overall connection. I told Max, 'Whatever you need, I'm there.' We had a really special heart to heart, all of us together.”

— Anthony Ponomarenko, Figure Skater

“It was devastating. I've never been that sad. So many promising young skaters were just gone.”

— Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olympic Champion

“My heart was shattered thinking of those sweet, young souls.”

— Meryl Davis, Two-Time Ice Dance World Champion

What’s next

Naumov will compete in his first Olympic Games next week in Milan Cortina, where he will be representing the United States alongside fellow skaters Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev.

The takeaway

Naumov's journey to the Olympics is a testament to the resilience of the figure skating community in the face of unimaginable tragedy. His determination to honor the memory of his parents and those lost in the 2025 crash will inspire others affected by the disaster and the broader sport as a whole.