Maxim Naumov’s parents weren’t able to see him qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, and sadly, they won’t be there to watch him compete when the men’s figure skating competition begins on February 10th at the 2026 Olympics.
But the 24-year-old’s mom and dad are still with him wherever he goes.
“We did it,” Maxim said last month when he found out he’d be going to Milan. “We did it together.”
As he prepared for his trip to Italy, he also remembered the first anniversary of the plane crash in Washington, D.C. on January 29th. The crash tragically took the lives of 67 people, including his parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were world champions in pairs skating in 1994.
Twenty-eight people connected to U.S. Figure Skating – including athletes, coaches, and their families – were among those who died when American Airlines flight 5342 crashed into a U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport as it was approaching for landing.
In a recent Instagram post, Maxim shared his continued struggle with loss, writing that he often wakes up questioning why these events occurred. He expressed confusion and grief, wondering why those he loved were taken from him so quickly.
Even with everything going on, I still get dressed and leave the house every day. I have work to do, and it reminds me of the dream we shared as a family when I was a child – a goal we set together.
After the crash, Maxim went through a tough time and didn’t feel like doing anything, especially not skating.
He recently told the New York Times that all he wanted to do was stay in bed or on the couch and do nothing. But he realized that was the wrong direction and he needed to do the opposite – actively pursue something better.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always believed in honoring your roots, and that’s exactly what this young man did. He stepped into the program his parents built at the Skating Club of Boston, designed for those adorable 4-to-7-year-olds. Honestly, being on the ice with those kids felt like a beautiful way to connect with his mom and dad, keeping their legacy alive and feeling their presence with him.
Growing up, he always dreamed of becoming an Olympian like his parents, who both competed for Russia. After performing in some shows last March, he reaffirmed his commitment to achieving that shared family goal.
Before he could make that jump, however, he had to get a new coach.
Vladimir Petrenko, a close friend of the Naumov family, described taking on the role after the passing of Maxim’s parents as a profoundly moving experience. He told CT Insider in January that he felt a great deal of responsibility due to his strong personal connection with Evgenia and Vadim. He emphasized that they were exceptional individuals who profoundly influenced Maxim’s character and development, and were much more than just ‘Max’s parents’.
In a November video on Olympics.com, Maxim explained how seeing role models around him – at the rink and everywhere else – fueled his Olympic dream. He said making the Olympic team would be incredibly meaningful, and he’s working tirelessly to achieve that goal. It would be especially rewarding to accomplish this for those who inspired him.
As a lifestyle expert, I always emphasize the importance of a strong support system, and Maxim truly has one! Beyond his immediate family – Vladimir and the coach’s wife, Elena Petrenko – he’s incredibly lucky to have people like his longtime roommate and Olympic teammate, Spencer Howe, and his amazing choreographer, Benoît Richard, in his corner. And I have to mention Tony and Gretta Bogdan, his godparents, who were absolute rocks for him after the accident, even stepping in to help with his parents’ affairs. It’s that kind of unwavering support that really makes all the difference.
While diligently practicing jumps like axels, lutzes, and triple toe loops, Maxim was also maturing emotionally as he competed internationally, preparing for the final qualifying rounds for the U.S. Olympic team.
He shared on Instagram in December, after placing fourth at the Tallinn Trophy in Estonia, that he’s constantly learning new things about himself. He also mentioned making a daily effort to appreciate the good, even when he’s feeling unsure.
When he’s not intensely focused on hockey, Maxim loves to completely relax. In a recent Team USA video, he described his ideal day off as including a sauna, hot and cold plunges, a massage, and playing video games with friends.
He was listening to Eminem, Westside Gunn, and Benny, recently finished watching the show The Boys, and started playing table tennis after being inspired by Marty Supreme. What’s the best thing he’s ever cooked?
He said, deadpan, “Cereal.”
Everything had been building towards the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, where he was aiming to qualify for Team USA.
Maxim shared with The Athletic that making it to the Olympics is his biggest dream. He recently finished fourth in his short program on January 9th, performing to Frédéric Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 20.” He explained that he and his parents had discussed this goal, and it would mean everything to him. It’s what motivates him constantly – the first thing he thinks about when he wakes up and the last thing on his mind before he goes to sleep.
As he waited for his results, he looked at a photo of himself as a toddler with his parents, Evgenia and Vadim. The picture was taken at the International Skating Center of Connecticut the very first time he stepped onto the ice, and they were all holding hands.
He quietly admitted he was thinking about the person he loved. He kept replaying their smile, their laugh, and the things they used to say in his mind, particularly when he was feeling down. “I love them,” he added softly.
He thought his father, if he’d seen the performance, would have told him, “I think you need to show a little more confidence on the Salchow jump.”
Maxim also mentioned that Vadim would want everyone to know he’s proud and determined to keep fighting—all the way to Milan, and beyond. That’s Maxim’s plan as well: to never give up.
Even though his mother hadn’t seen him skate in person since he was thirteen – watching made her too anxious – she would call him afterward and say something like, “Don’t worry about it. You did great. Let’s focus on your next performance.”
He remembered a conversation with Vadim from the national competition last year, where Vadim emphasized that staying consistent and resilient – in training, competition, and all aspects of life – would be crucial for his future success. He’s held onto that advice ever since.
After finishing fourth for three years in a row, Maxim finally took third place this year thanks to his free skate performance, set to the song “In This Shirt” by The Irrepresibles. This result earned him a spot on the Olympic team, joining U.S. champion Ilia Malinin—known as the “Quad God”—and silver medalist Andrew Torgashev. Maxim’s friend, Spencer, will also be competing in Milan, skating in the pairs event with his partner, Emily Chan.
Oh my gosh, and his parents were there with him, of course they were! It was everything. He said, after qualifying, that he just knew they were watching over him, beaming with pride. It totally got me right in the feels, honestly. They always believed in him, and now look at him – going to the Games! It’s just… perfect.
See smiles, tears and more of the best candid moments from the 2026 Olympics:
Lindsey Vonn, a U.S. skier, showed her determination while training on February 6th, just days after suffering a torn ACL in a crash.
On February 6th, Alysa Liu, representing the United States, performed a Biellmann spin during her short program in the women’s single skating event.
Jennifer Dodds of Team Great Britain looked intensely focused during the mixed doubles curling match against South Korea on February 6th.
On February 6th, Snoop Dogg, who is working as an Olympics correspondent for NBC, gave curling a try during a practice session.
On February 6th, figure skating partners Evan Bates and Madison Chock, who are also a couple in real life, delivered a flawless performance during their rhythm dance routine.
On February 5th, Laila Edwards, the first Black woman to play hockey for the U.S. in the Olympics, competed against Sara Cajanova of the Czech Republic during the game between the United States and the Czech Republic.
On February 5th, Australian snowboarder Valentino Guseli embraced Czech athlete Jakub Hrones after competing in the men’s snowboard big air qualifying round.
Bulgarian ski jumper Vladimir Zografski hits the brakes during a Feb. 5 training session.
Korey Dropkin, an American curler, celebrated with a shout after his team won against Switzerland in a mixed doubles curling match on February 5th.
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2026-02-10 11:18