American figure skater Maxim Naumov made his emotional Olympic debut today, 10 February 2026, at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, fulfilling a lifelong dream exactly one year after the tragic loss of his parents. The 24-year-old Connecticut native took to the ice for the men’s short program, carrying the legacy of his parents, 1994 World pairs champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.
Naumov’s journey to the 2026 Olympics has been defined by extraordinary resilience. On 29 January 2025, his parents were killed in a plane crash in Washington, D.C. The tragedy occurred just as Naumov was establishing himself as a top-tier competitor, having finished fourth at the U.S. Championships for three consecutive years. Following the accident, Naumov credited his parents’ final words of encouragement for fueling his determination to qualify for Team USA.
Path to Milan-Cortina 2026
Naumov secured his spot on the Olympic roster following a breakthrough performance at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. Breaking his “fourth-place curse,” he earned his first senior national podium finish, placing third overall with a total score of 249.16. His free skate, performed to “In This Shirt” by The Irrepressibles, became a viral moment of the championships, ending with Naumov dropping to his knees in an emotional tribute that drew a standing ovation from the 15,000-person crowd.
Olympic Debut Performance
During today’s men’s short program in Milan, Naumov delivered a poignant performance that resonated with both judges and spectators. As a first-time Olympian, he joins a powerhouse U.S. men’s contingent that includes world record-holder Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev.
Key Facts about Maxim Naumov:
- Born: 1 August 2001 (Age 24)
- Hometown: Hartford, Connecticut
- Specialty: Men’s Singles
- Coaching Heritage: Son of 1994 World Champions and two-time Olympians Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.
- Career Milestone: 2026 U.S. Bronze Medalist.
Naumov is scheduled to compete next in the Men’s Free Skate on 12 February 2026. Fans in Canada and the U.S. can follow the remainder of his Olympic journey via live broadcasts on NBC, Peacock, and CBC Sports.