‘It’s all about resilience’: Maxim Naumov honours late parents at U.S. Championships
Nearly a year after facing an unimaginable loss, 24-year-old figure skater Maxim Naumov has taken to the ice with a heart full of memories and a profound sense of resilience. Following the tragic passing of his parents and coaches, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, aboard American Eagle Flight 5342, Naumov has consistently expressed his commitment to overcoming adversity through the sport he loves.
At the recent 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Naumov delivered an emotionally charged short program. His performance garnered a score of 85.72, placing him fourth in the competition. More than just a chance at a title, he skated with the prospect of representing Team USA at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina in mind.
In a poignant moment during his performance, Naumov held a cherished childhood photograph capturing him at age three on the ice, flanked by his parents. “I was thinking about them,” he reflected, his eyes welling with tears. “Their smile, their laugh, what they’d say to me, it all replays in my head.”
Naumov’s journey has been marked by a steady resolve. “It’s all about being resilient,” he said after the performance. His words resonate with aspiring athletes who strive to overcome personal obstacles. “In times of really difficult emotional stress, pushing yourself further is where you find strength,” he emphasized.
As the competition continues into the men’s free skate on Saturday, Naumov stands as a potential contender for one of Team USA’s coveted spots in Italy. Achieving this feat would honor his parents’ legacy and the dreams they held for him, making it his ultimate goal.
As the skating world watches, Naumov reinforces a powerful narrative about love, loss, and tenacity, proving that the spirit of resilience, paired with a deep connection to family, can guide an athlete through their toughest times.
