Skater Maxim Naumov Honors Parents, Crash Victims at Olympics

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Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old figure skater, is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina to honor the memory of his parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were killed along with over two dozen other members of the figure skating community in a 2025 plane crash. Naumov, who finished third at the U.S. championships, carries the hopes and dreams of those affected by the tragedy as he competes on the world stage.

Why it matters

The 2025 plane crash that killed Naumov's parents and other prominent figures in figure skating was a devastating tragedy that rocked the tight-knit skating community. Naumov's journey to the Olympics is a powerful story of resilience and perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss, inspiring others who have experienced similar hardships.

The details

Naumov's parents, former pairs world champions, were among the 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in January 2025. The flight was carrying over two dozen members of the figure skating community, including 11 skaters, 4 coaches, and several family members, who were returning from a development camp. Naumov, who had finished fourth at the national championships, had flown out earlier. In the aftermath, Naumov struggled with the emotional toll, but eventually joined in organizing a benefit to honor the victims and support their families. One year later, Naumov delivered a standout performance at the U.S. championships to earn a spot on the Olympic team, carrying the memory of his parents and the other victims with him.

• On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people, including Naumov's parents and over two dozen members of the figure skating community.
• In the weeks following the crash, Naumov struggled with the emotional toll and joined in organizing a benefit to honor the victims and support their families.
• One year later, in January 2026, Naumov finished third at the U.S. championships, earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the Milan Cortina Games.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Naumov will compete in the figure skating events at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, where he will aim to honor the memory of his parents and the other victims of the 2025 plane crash.