Maxim Naumov Honors Parents With Family Photo at Olympics 2026 One Year After Fatal Plane Crash
Maxim Naumov is keeping his late parents close to his heart at the 2026 Olympics.
More than one year after Evgenia “Zhenya” Shishkova and Vadim Naumov died in a January 2025 American Airlines plane crash that killed 65 others, their son honored their memory as he competed during the men’s figure skating short program at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
Moments after Maxim’s Feb. 10 performance, he held up a childhood photo showing his parents holding his hands as he skated on an ice rink. Later, the 24-year-old made a heartfelt gesture as he received his score of 85.65, looking down at the photo and seemingly saying, “We did it.”
The Team USA athlete also offered a touching tribute during the routine, with a message displayed on the jumbotron above him reading, “Mom and Dad, this is for you.”
Maxim’s parents played a pivotal role in his journey to the Winter Games. After all, the late couple—who themselves were world champion figure skaters and competed in two Olympics for Russia—inspired his passion for the sport.
