Maxim Naumov Heads to Olympics, Honoring Parents Killed in Crash

Naumov will compete at the Milan Cortina Olympics, carrying the hopes of those affected by the 2025 airline tragedy.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old figure skater, is headed to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics after finishing third at the U.S. championships. Naumov's parents, former pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among the 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter in 2025, including more than two dozen members of the figure skating community. Naumov carries the hopes and dreams of those affected by the tragedy with him to the Olympics, honoring his parents' legacy.

Why it matters

The 2025 airline crash that killed Naumov's parents and other prominent figures in the figure skating world was a devastating tragedy that rocked the tight-knit skating community. Naumov's journey to the Olympics is a symbol of resilience and a way to honor the memory of those lost, while also inspiring other athletes who have faced adversity.

The details

Naumov, who finished fourth at last year's national championships, earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team after placing third at this year's championships. He carries with him a photo of himself as a young child with his parents, who were coaches at the renowned Skating Club of Boston. Naumov has found solace in honoring his parents' memory, whether through talking to others about them or keeping their personal effects close.

  • Naumov finished fourth at the 2025 national championships, shortly before the tragic crash.
  • The crash occurred on January 29, 2025, when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
  • Naumov placed third at the 2026 U.S. championships, earning a spot on the Olympic team for the Milan Cortina Games.

The players

Maxim Naumov

A 24-year-old figure skater who is headed to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics after finishing third at the U.S. championships. His parents, former pairs world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were killed in the 2025 airline crash.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov

Maxim Naumov's parents, who were former pairs world champions and coaches at the Skating Club of Boston. They were among the 67 people killed in the 2025 American Airlines Flight 5342 crash.

Spencer Howe

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

Isabella Aparicio

A 13-year-old figure skater whose brother, Franco, and father, Luciano, were killed in the 2025 crash. She gave an emotional performance at a benefit honoring the victims.

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, which was impacted by the 2025 tragedy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When all that stuff was going down, I was right there with him in Washington. We were getting updates and just trying to figure out what was going on, and the state of the situation. We just tried to do whatever we could.”

— Spencer Howe, Close friend of Maxim Naumov

“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, Olympic ice dancer

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

— Meryl Davis, Two-time ice dance world champion

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

— Scott Hamilton, 1984 Olympic champion

“I was proud to see the way people came together as a family”

— Ilia Malinin, Three-time world champion figure skater

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Maxim Naumov's journey to the Olympics is a testament to resilience in the face of tragedy. His determination to honor his parents' legacy and inspire others who have faced adversity is a powerful reminder of the strength of the figure skating community.