MILAN, 14 February 2026 – American figure skater Maxim Naumov has completed a deeply emotional Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, finishing his campaign with a poignant tribute to his late parents. The 24-year-old, who qualified for the Games following a bronze-medal performance at the U.S. Championships in January, used his time on the world stage to honour the memory of world champion skaters Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.
Olympic Performance and Results
Naumov entered the Men’s Free Skate on Friday, 13 February, sitting in 14th place after a season-best short program score of 85.65. Performing to “The City That Doesn’t Exist”—a favourite song of his parents—Naumov delivered a routine marked by artistry and resilience, despite technical challenges.
During the free skate, Naumov struggled with his jumping passes, falling on two early quad Salchow attempts. He finished the segment with a score of 137.71, bringing his total competition score to 223.36. While the falls took him out of contention for the top ten, the Milan crowd rallied behind the skater, providing a standing ovation as he finished his program.
In a moment that has become a defining image of these Games, Naumov sat in the “Kiss and Cry” area holding a childhood photograph of himself on the ice with his parents, kissing the image as his scores were announced.
A Legacy of Resilience
Naumov’s journey to the 2026 Olympics was marked by personal tragedy. His parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova—the 1994 World pairs champions—were killed in a plane crash over the Potomac River in early 2025. Despite the loss, Maxim continued his training at the Skating Club of Boston, driven by the shared dream of reaching the Olympic stage.
His bronze medal at the 2026 U.S. National Championships in St. Louis earlier this year secured his spot on Team USA, fulfilling a lifelong goal he had discussed with his parents just days before their passing.
Athlete Profile and Career Statistics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maxim Naumov |
| Date of Birth | 01 August 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Hartford, CT, USA |
| Hometown | Norwood, MA |
| Height | 168 cm |
| Club | Skating Club of Boston |
| 2026 Olympic Total Score | 223.36 |
Career Accomplishments
- 2026: U.S. Bronze Medalist; Olympic Debut (Milano Cortina)
- 2025: U.S. Pewter Medalist (4th Place)
- 2024: U.S. Pewter Medalist (4th Place)
- 2023: U.S. Pewter Medalist (4th Place)
- 2020: U.S. Junior Champion
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Maxim Naumov’s parents?
His parents were Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova. They were legendary figure skaters who represented Russia, winning the 1994 World Championship in pairs skating and competing in two Olympic Games before becoming renowned coaches in the United States.
What happened to Maxim Naumov’s parents?
Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova tragically passed away in a plane crash over the Potomac River in early 2025, approximately one year before Maxim made his Olympic debut.
What was Maxim Naumov’s score at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Maxim earned a season-best 85.65 in the short program and a 137.71 in the free skate, resulting in a total combined score of 223.36.
Where does Maxim Naumov train?
He is associated with the Skating Club of Boston and represents the United States in international men’s singles competitions.