MILAN — U.S. figure skater Maxim Naumov took to the ice at the Milan Cortina Games, carrying a deep emotional weight. He dedicated his heartfelt performance to his late parents, who died in a tragic plane crash last year. Their dream of seeing him compete at the Olympics was very much alive in his mind as he skated.
This tragic event shook the figure skating community. On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter. Among the 67 victims were Naumov’s parents, former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as 11 young skaters and several family members returning from a camp in Wichita, Kansas.
With just a few memories to hold onto, Naumov, 24, found motivation in his past conversations with his parents about achieving Olympic dreams. He shared, “I’ve felt their presence every time I glide on the ice.” A cherished photograph of him as a child standing between his parents reminded him of their support.
His Olympic debut was not just a performance; it was a tribute. He started with a quad salchow and also nailed a triple axel and a triple lutz-triple toe loop. The crowd erupted as he finished. He knelt, looking up, quietly saying, “Look at what we’ve done,” a moment both poignant and powerful.
Reflecting on his performance, Naumov was overcome with emotion. “I didn’t know if I wanted to cry, smile, or laugh. All I could do was look up at them,” he said afterward. His score of 85.65 secured him a place to skate again during the men’s free skate on Friday night.
Beyond the personal aspects, Naumov’s journey highlights a broader theme of resilience in sports. A study by the American Psychological Association shows that athletes often find strength in adversity. In Naumov’s case, reconnecting with his passion for skating propelled him through tough times. After the crash, he admitted it was difficult to get out of bed; his grief was overwhelming. Yet, he found purpose in returning to the rink, aiming to make his parents proud.
The support from the community also gave Naumov strength. Fans waved American flags, and one supporter held up a banner reading “Tomorrow’s Champions,” a nod to his parents’ skating school, which he now oversees. “I love those guys,” he grinned, feeling the warmth of their encouragement.
As he prepares for the next competition, Naumov reflects on the energy from the crowd. “It’s a buzz you can feel in your body,” he shared. It’s clear that he is not just competing for himself but for a legacy that will continue to inspire others.
For more insights on how athletes cope with grief in sports, you can check out the American Psychological Association’s resources [here](https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/coping-sport-athletes).
