Figure skater Max Naumov has secured his place on Team USA for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, achieving this milestone just one year after the tragic loss of his parents in a plane crash. The incident occurred when their aircraft collided with a military helicopter while approaching Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of 67 individuals.
At the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Naumov delivered a remarkable performance that earned him a score of 163.44 in the free skate. This achievement marked his first podium finish at the senior level, showcasing his resilience and determination. During his performance, he managed to maintain his composure, but emotions surfaced in the kiss-and-cry area, where he held up a cherished photograph of himself at three years old, standing beside his parents as he took to the ice for the first time.
A Journey of Triumph and Resilience
The 24-year-old skater, son of former world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, expressed the significance of sharing his vulnerabilities with the audience. “Sharing the vulnerability with the audience and me feeling their energy back has been something I remember for the rest of my life,” he stated in a press conference. This emotional connection resonated deeply with spectators, evident by the standing ovation he received after his performance.
Naumov’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by profound challenges. He finished fourth at last year’s national championships and was returning home from Wichita, Kansas, when the tragedy struck. His parents were involved in a plane crash while returning from a development camp, where they had been coaching young skaters. Among the victims were more than two dozen individuals, many of whom were aspiring athletes who looked up to Naumov’s parents as role models.
He fondly recalled one of his last conversations with his parents, discussing the commitment needed to earn a spot on the Olympic team in Italy. His short program on Thursday not only featured a quad salchow but also a triple-triple combination, allowing him to briefly take the lead in the competition.
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
Naumov expressed a heartfelt connection to his father’s advice, stating, “My dad would have told me to keep fighting for that salchow.” With his recent success, he will now join fellow teammates Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev to represent the United States in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
This achievement stands as a testament to Naumov’s strength and dedication, reflecting not only his sporting prowess but also his ability to navigate personal grief. As he embarks on this new chapter, he carries with him the memory of his parents and their unwavering support throughout his journey.
His story has resonated widely, capturing the attention and admiration of the figure skating community and beyond, as he prepares for what promises to be an emotional and thrilling Olympic experience.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
