MILAN, 09 February 2026 – American figure skater Maxim Naumov has arrived at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, marking a poignant milestone in a career defined by both technical excellence and immense personal resilience. The 24-year-old, who secured his Olympic berth following a breakthrough performance at the U.S. Championships last month, is competing this week while carrying the legacy of his parents, world-renowned skating champions who tragically passed away last year.
Olympic Debut and Recent Form
Naumov’s journey to the 2026 Winter Games follows years of consistent performance on the national stage. After finishing in fourth place—the “pewter” medal position—at the U.S. National Championships for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025), Naumov finally broke onto the podium in January 2026, earning the bronze medal. This result solidified his position on the U.S. Olympic team alongside teammates Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev.
His qualification is being hailed as one of the most emotional storylines of the Milan-Cortina Games. In early 2025, Naumov lost his parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, in a mid-air collision over Washington, D.C. His parents were the 1994 World Champions in pairs skating and had served as his lifelong coaches and mentors. Despite the tragedy, Naumov returned to the ice to continue their coaching legacy at the International Skating Center of Connecticut (ISCC) while pursuing his own Olympic dream.
Career Profile and Achievements
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maxim Naumov |
| Date of Birth | 01 August 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Nationality | American |
| 2026 U.S. Nationals | Bronze Medalist |
| U.S. Pewter Medalist | 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Junior Career Highlight | 2020 U.S. Junior Champion |
| Primary Coach | Mathew Lucash |
Technical Style and Coaching
Naumov is recognised for a skating style that balances technical precision with deep emotional expression. While he previously trained under his parents, he transitioned to Mathew Lucash as his primary coach in late 2023 to evolve his competitive approach. He has successfully integrated high-level difficulty into his routines, including the quadruple Lutz in international competition.
In addition to his competitive career, Naumov has taken on a leadership role at his home rink in Connecticut, coaching younger skaters and maintaining the programme his father, Vadim, helped establish in the 1990s. Public insights suggest his current Olympic programmes are designed to honour his family’s history, with many commentators noting the “transformative” nature of his skating over the past twelve months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Maxim Naumov qualify for the 2026 Olympics?
Naumov qualified for the Milan-Cortina Games by finishing third at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in January. His consistent top-four finishes over the last four years and his bronze medal performance earned him one of the three spots on the U.S. men’s singles team.
Who were Maxim Naumov’s parents?
His parents were Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, the 1994 World Champions in pairs skating. They represented Russia in two Olympic Games before becoming highly successful coaches in the United States. They tragically died in a plane crash in early 2025.
Where does Maxim Naumov train?
Naumov trains at the International Skating Center of Connecticut (ISCC). He has been a fixture at the facility since his youth, where his parents were directors of the figure skating programme.
What are his major titles?
His major titles include the 2020 U.S. Junior National Championship and the 2026 U.S. National Bronze medal. He also holds three U.S. pewter medals from 2023 to 2025.