Maxim Naumov Channels Emotion in Olympic Season After Personal Tragedy

For U.S. figure skater Maxim Naumov, the 2025–26 season is more than a competition — it’s an emotional journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Earlier this year, Naumov lost his parents, two-time Olympians Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, in a plane crash. Since then, he has found a way to channel his grief and experiences into his skating.

Unlike previous seasons, Naumov approached his programs without a predetermined plan. He spent six weeks in Courmayeur, Italy, working with French choreographer Benoît Richaud to develop both his short and free programs from scratch. The short program was crafted as a tribute to his parents, reflecting their influence and his memories, while the free program expresses a forward-looking journey, highlighting strength, emotion, and the pursuit of personal growth.

Naumov’s performances this season show a remarkable level of vulnerability, blending technical skill with emotional depth. He achieved new personal bests, surpassing the 90-point mark in the short program at the 2025 Ice Challenge in Graz, Austria, and recording a higher free skate score than his previous Grand Prix appearances. These results underscore his combination of athletic excellence and expressive artistry.

Beyond competing, Naumov has taken on the role of on-ice director at Tomorrow’s Champions, the youth skating academy founded by his parents in Boston. The program provides young skaters with structured on-ice and off-ice training, allowing Naumov to continue his parents’ legacy and guide the next generation of athletes.

The 2025–26 season represents a pivotal moment for Naumov, blending technical growth, personal expression, and Olympic ambition. His skating demonstrates that the sport is not just about medals but also a powerful medium for storytelling, emotional connection, and carrying forward a family legacy on the world stage.

Source: article by Lena Smirnova on Olympics.com, published November 11, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer