In a heartfelt revelation, figure skater Maxim Naumov has shared the profound impact of the sudden loss of his parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, in a tragic plane crash. The accident, which involved an American Airlines jet and an army helicopter on January 29 in Washington, D.C., has left an indelible mark on Naumov.
Maxim Naumov is channeling his grief and honoring his late parents through his figure skating performances, forever altering his outlook on life and his career.
The ill-fated plane crash caused extreme changes for Maxim Naumov, who recently competed in the U.S. Championships, securing a respectable fourth place. Shishkova and Naumov, both former world champion figure skaters, were passengers on the American Airlines flight involved in the collision. The couple, instrumental in shaping young skaters, had resided in the United States as coaches since 1998.
Maxim Naumov recalls the last interaction he had with his mother, Evgenia Shishkova when she informed him of a change in their flight plans. She requested he pick them up upon arrival. However, the expected jubilant message of their safe landing never came, replaced instead by devastating news.
Expressing deep admiration for his parents, Naumov describes how they were always supportive, going so far as to say, "Their love and care was evident in each stage of my life. They were always like superheroes to me." Maxim's mother consistently texted and called him immediately upon landing, which made their silence during the tragedy even more alarming.
In his own words, Naumov explained the shift in his feelings following his parent's passing. He expressed: “I just want you to know that we love you and we’re proud of you.” His tribute to them on March 2 at the Legacy on Ice U.S. Figure Skating Benefit in D.C. was marked by emotion. He skated with a deep sense of love, which was unfamiliar and overwhelming.
Skating has now taken on a new dimension for Naumov. Dedicated to his late parents, he conveyed, "It’s three people," indicating that his drive and motivation now stem from what his parents would have wanted. During his benefit performance, he laid two white roses near the rink, a poignant gesture to honor their memory.
Maxim Naumov's parents were recognized for their immense talent and accomplishments in the world of figure skating. Married to each other, Shishkova and Naumov claimed the pairs world title in 1994. Their journey began as children under the guidance of Ludmila Velikova, who considered them her own.
Velikova, commenting on their tragic passing, expressed profound sorrow, stating, "They were my favorite sportspeople. They were like my own children. What’s happened is awful. The best people have been taken away from us."
As coaches in the United States, Shishkova and Naumov made significant contributions to the figure skating community, pivoting in nurturing upcoming talent. Maxim's parents' presence marked his experience at the U.S. Championships. Although his mother was too nervous to watch him live, his father, Vadim, was present to cherish his son’s performance.
According to Doug Zeghibe, the CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, Maxim was competing in the senior men’s event and had his parents with him. The family flew back soon after, with Maxim returning home just before the accident took place. Zeghibe remarked, "Max was competing at the U.S. Championships in the senior men’s event, championship men. He placed fourth, which is a medalling spot."
This tragedy has deeply affected the young skater, reshaping his future aspirations and driving him to honor the legacy of his parents through his craft. With his personal journey altered forever, Maxim Naumov continues to perform not just for himself, but for his beloved parents who instilled in him the passion and skill he now carries forward.
