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Maxim Naumov
Maxim Naumov
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Maxim Naumov (born August 1, 2001) is an American figure skater. He is a three-time U.S. national pewter medalist and the 2020 U.S. junior national champion. Naumov finished within the top five at the 2020 World Junior Championships.

Key Information

Personal life

[edit]

"Once again, Maxim made us all proud, getting on to the podium at Nationals after 7th place in the short. This beautiful and emotional performance is a result of a team work. Huge thanks to Serhii and Irina Vaypan and of course to Adam Blake for his wonderful choreography of a classic! Maxim has earned his place in the team of 4 Continents. 👏🏻👍🏻💪🏻😄🎊"

—Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova's final Instagram post caption[2]

Maxim Naumov was born on August 1, 2001, in Hartford, Connecticut. His parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were the 1994 World Champions in pairs for Russia.[3][4] Naumov previously competed in gymnastics as a child.[5] After graduating from Simsbury High School in 2019, he began attending ASU Online.[5]

Naumov has cited his figure skating influences as being Olympic champions Evgeni Plushenko and Yuzuru Hanyu, as well as his parents.[4]

On January 29, 2025, Naumov's parents, who were passengers onboard the American Eagle Flight 5342, were killed in the Potomac River mid-air collision. Three days prior to the crash, the couple expressed pride over their son's fourth-place finish at the 2025 U.S. Championships, which had recently taken place, via their joint Instagram account.[6] Naumov subsequently took control of the Skating Club of Boston's Youth Academy Program that his parents founded.[7][8]

Two months following the crash, Naumov spoke out about his parents' death and legacy during an interview with Today. He shared, "They were beautiful people. They were so incredibly kind. The only way out is through. There's no other way. There are no options but to keep going. I don't have the strength or the passion or the drive, or the dedication of one person anymore. It's three people... I would not be the person I am today without them. Their love — and their care, and attention to detail was evident in each stage of my life. They were always like superheroes to me."[8]

Career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Naumov began skating at age five after being inspired by his parents.[5] He is the 2013 U.S. national juvenile and the 2017 U.S. national novice champion, as well as the 2016 U.S. national novice and 2018 U.S. national junior bronze medalist. At the advanced novice level, Naumov is also the 2016 Gardena Trophy and 2017 International Challenge Cup champion.[9]

Naumov made his junior international debut at the 2017 Philadelphia Summer International, winning the silver medal behind Ryan Dunk. He made his Junior Grand Prix debut at 2017 JGP Latvia, where he finished eighth. Naumov did not compete during the 2018–19 season due to injury.[10]

2019–20 season

[edit]

Naumov returned to competition in June 2019 after missing the previous season due to injury.[10] Competing on the 2019–20 ISU Junior Grand Prix, he placed seventh at 2019 JGP France.[9]

Naumov won the junior title at the 2020 U.S. Championships. He landed two triple axels in his free skate and achieved a Level 4 on three elements.[11] After attending the U.S. junior camp, he was named to the U.S. team for the 2020 World Junior Championships, alongside Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev.[12] At the 2020 World Junior Championships, he placed tenth in the short and fourth in the free to finish fifth overall.[13]

2020–21 season

[edit]

Naumov started his season competing at the ISP Points Challenge, a virtual domestic competition for prize money, berths to the national championships, and future international assignments. Naumov competed in the senior men's event, placing sixth in both segments of the competition and seventh overall among ten skaters.

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging, Naumov was assigned to make his senior Grand Prix debut at the 2020 Skate America, an event scheduled for skaters training in the United States and held in Las Vegas.[14] He placed eighth at the event.[15]

Naumov next competed at the 2021 U.S. Championships, also held in Las Vegas, where he placed fifth in both segments and overall.[16][17]

2021–22 season

[edit]

Naumov won the bronze medal at the Skating Club of Boston's Cranberry Cup event, and then came sixth at the 2021 U.S. Classic.[9]

2022–23 season

[edit]

Naumov appeared twice on the Challenger circuit in the fall, finishing fifth at both the 2022 CS Budapest Trophy and the 2022 CS Warsaw Cup.[9] Sixth after the short program at the 2023 U.S. Championships, he rose to fourth in the free skate and won the pewter medal.[18] This in turn earned him an assignment to the 2023 Four Continents Championships.[19] He finished tenth at Four Continents.[9]

2023–24 season

[edit]

Beginning the season at the 2023 CS Nepela Memorial, Naumov placed eleventh. On the Grand Prix, he was tenth at the 2023 Skate America.[9]

In advance of the 2024 U.S. Championships, Naumov was preemptively named as first alternate for the American team for the 2024 Four Continents Championships, which were to occur in Shanghai the week after the national championships.[20] Naumov finished second in the short program at the national championships, in what was considered a surprise result. He fell to fourth place after coming fourth in the free skate, winning a second consecutive national pewter medal.[21] He subsequently replaced Camden Pulkinen on the Four Continents team, and finished twelfth the following weekend.[9]

2024–25 season

[edit]

Naumov started the season at the 2024 CS Nebelhorn Trophy, where he finished in eleventh place.[9] Going on to compete on the 2024–25 Grand Prix circuit at 2024 Skate America, he was seventh of twelve men. Naumov assessed his performance as "technically similar" to his appearance at the Nebelhorn Trophy, explaining that his quadruple jumps were improved in practices "so the consistency is getting there but I'm still lacking a lot of confidence on the actual program run. It's a natural progression so I'm feeling it will get better and better."[22] He was later given a second assignment on the Challenger circuit, placing eighth at the 2024 CS Warsaw Cup.[9]

At the 2025 U.S. Championships in Wichita, Naumov won his third consecutive pewter medal. His only notable error came in the free skate when failing to execute his planned quadruple Salchow jump, which he said he was "definitely bummed about," but added "I'm overall happy with how I did everything."[23][24] Three days following the conclusion of the championships, Naumov's parents remained in Wichita to participate in a development camp for young skaters. They were part of a group of camp participants who were traveling home on American Eagle Flight 5342, which collided mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk over the Potomac River and crashed, resulting in the deaths of all onboard.[25] Although assigned to the American team for the 2025 Four Continents Championships, Naumov subsequently withdrew.[26][27]

On March 2, 2025, Naumov took part in Legacy on Ice, an ice show organized by U.S. Figure Skating that paid tribute to the victims aboard American Eagle Flight 5342. He honored his parents' memory by performing to "Город, которого нет (The City That Doesn't Exist)" by Igor Kornelyuk, which was their favorite song. Naumov received a standing ovation following his performance.[28][29] Later that month, Naumov was invited to perform in the exhibition at the 2025 World Championships that took place in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. He received a long standing ovation from the audience at the end of his performance.[30]

2025–26 season

[edit]

Following a period of uncertainty, Naumov announced his plans to continue his competitive figure skating career. He selected Vladimir Petrenko, a longtime family friend, as his new head coach. In addition, he added renowned French choreographer, Benoît Richaud, to his team after being invited to partake in Richaud’s Peak Ice summer training camps in Italy and France.[31][32]

He opened his season in September by finishing ninth at the 2025 CS Lombardia Trophy. The following month, he went on to place ninth at the 2025 Grand Prix de France.[33]

Programs

[edit]
Season Short program Free skating Exhibition
2025–26
[34]
2024–25
[35]




2023–24
[36]
2022–23
[37]
2020–22
[38][5]
2019–20
[39]
2017–18
[40]
2016–17
[5]
  • Maybe I Maybe You
    by Scorpions
    choreo. by Adam Blake
2015–16
[5]
  • 300 Violin Orchestra
    by Jorge Quintero
    choreo. by Adam Blake

Competitive highlights

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Competition placements at senior level [33]
Season 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 2025–26
Four Continents Championships 10th 12th WD
U.S. Championships 5th 4th 4th 4th
GP France 9th
GP Skate America 8th 10th 7th
CS Budapest Trophy 5th
CS Lombardia Trophy 9th
CS Nebelhorn Trophy 11th
CS Nepela Memorial 11th
CS Tallinn Trophy TBD
CS Warsaw Cup 5th 8th
Cranberry Cup 3rd
Ice Challenge 1st
U.S. Classic 6th
Competition placements at junior level [33]
Season 2017–18 2019–20
World Junior Championships 5th
U.S. Championships 3rd 1st
JGP France 7th
JGP Latvia 8th
Philadelphia Summer 2nd

Detailed results

[edit]
ISU personal best scores in the +5/-5 GOE System [33]
Segment Type Score Event
Total TSS 227.17 2022 CS Budapest Trophy
Short program TSS 87.11 2022 CS Budapest Trophy
TES 47.01 2022 CS Budapest Trophy
PCS 40.10 2022 CS Budapest Trophy
Free skating TSS 151.47 2025 Grand Prix de France
TES 75.98 2020 World Junior Championships
PCS 80.52 2022 CS Budapest Trophy
  • At national events in the United States, pewter medals are awarded for fourth place.

Senior level

[edit]
Results in the 2020–21 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Oct 23–24, 2020 United States 2020 Skate America 8 70.91 4 143.56 8 214.27
Jan 11–21, 2021 United States 2021 U.S. Championships 5 83.53 5 160.67 5 244.20
Results in the 2021–22 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Aug 11–15, 2021 United States 2021 Cranberry Cup International 6 73.64 3 149.51 3 223.15
Sep 14–17, 2021 United States 2021 U.S. International Classic 5 69.99 4 137.40 6 207.39
Results in the 2022–23 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Oct 14–16, 2022 Hungary 2022 CS Budapest Trophy 1 87.11 5 140.06 5 227.17
Nov 17–20, 2022 Poland 2022 CS Warsaw Cup 5 76.17 5 142.81 5 218.98
Jan 23–29, 2023 United States 2023 U.S. Championships 6 77.71 4 171.43 4 249.14
Feb 7–12, 2023 United States 2023 Four Continents Championships 8 75.96 9 142.75 10 218.71
Results in the 2023–24 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Sep 28–30, 2023 Slovakia 2023 CS Nepela Memorial 11 70.05 12 131.66 11 201.71
Oct 20–22, 2023 United States 2023 Skate America 10 70.73 9 139.80 10 210.53
Jan 22–28, 2024 United States 2024 U.S. Championships 2 89.72 4 170.78 4 260.50
Jan 30 – Feb 4, 2024 China 2024 Four Continents Championships 15 67.61 9 147.39 12 215.00
Results in the 2024–25 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Sep 18–21, 2024 Germany 2024 CS Nebelhorn Trophy 15 63.01 11 136.29 11 199.30
Oct 18–20, 2024 United States 2024 Skate America 8 73.11 7 143.27 7 216.38
Nov 20–24, 2024 Poland 2024 CS Warsaw Cup 5 75.77 12 117.92 8 193.69
Jan 20–26, 2025 United States 2025 U.S. Championships 7 82.41 3 165.75 4 248.16
Results in the 2025–26 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Sep 11–14, 2025 Italy 2025 CS Lombardia Trophy 9 76.71 9 146.72 9 223.43
Oct 17–19, 2025 France 2025 Grand Prix de France 9 75.27 8 151.47 9 226.74
Nov 5–9, 2025 Austria 2025 Ice Challenge 1 92.81 1 153.89 1 246.70

Junior level

[edit]
Results in the 2017–18 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Aug 3–5, 2017 United States 2017 Philadelphia Summer International 2 60.40 2 114.69 2 175.09
Sep 6–9, 2017 Latvia 2017 JGP Latvia 9 57.64 9 106.02 8 163.66
Dec 29, 2017 – Jan 8, 2018 United States 2018 U.S. Championships 3 64.07 4 114.93 3 179.00
Results in the 2019–20 season[33]
Date Event SP FS Total
P Score P Score P Score
Aug 21–24, 2019 France 2019 JGP France 6 63.47 8 115.68 7 179.15
Jan 20–26, 2020 United States 2020 U.S. Championships 1 70.75 2 136.17 1 206.92
Mar 2–8, 2020 Estonia 2020 World Junior Championships 10 75.20 4 149.90 5 225.10

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Maxim Naumov (born August 1, 2001) is an American figure skater specializing in , representing the in international competitions. He is a three-time U.S. national pewter medalist (2023, 2024, 2025), the 2020 U.S. junior national champion, and a member of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team, having qualified less than one year after the tragic death of his parents in a mid-air collision. He gained widespread attention for his emotional at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, where he honored his late parents—former Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, who were —who died in a mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in a family deeply immersed in , Naumov began skating at age 5 under the guidance of his parents, who had relocated from to the U.S. after their competitive careers and became prominent coaches at facilities like the International Skating Center of Connecticut and later the Skating Club of Boston. In addition to his national successes, Naumov has competed internationally, earning a gold medal at the 2025 IceChallenge and placements in and during the 2025-26 season. Following the tragic loss of his parents, who also perished alongside other members of the in the mid-air collision, Naumov has continued training in Norwood, Massachusetts, under coach Vladimir Petrenko and now serves as the on-ice director of the "Tomorrow's Champions" youth program founded by his family. At the 2026 Championships in , his performance, which included holding a childhood photo with his parents and skating to music symbolizing resilience, secured his spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, fulfilling a shared dream with his family.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Maxim Naumov was born on August 1, 2001, in Hartford, Connecticut, establishing his from birth. His parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were prominent who achieved significant success in the sport, including winning the . After failing to qualify for Russia's 1998 Winter Olympic team, the couple relocated to the United States in 1998 to pursue coaching careers. The family's deep involvement in provided Naumov with early exposure to the sport, as his parents served as his initial coaches, laying the foundation for his own training.

Introduction to Skating

Maxim Naumov first stepped onto the ice at the age of three but began serious training at age five, initially inspired by his parents, former Russian pair skaters Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, who had emigrated to the United States with their family. Following their relocation, Naumov received his foundational instruction directly from his parents, who had retired from competitive skating and established themselves as coaches in the U.S. This early exposure to the sport was shaped by his family's professional legacy in , which motivated Naumov to pursue with a strong emphasis on technical proficiency from the outset. Naumov's initial training took place at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in , under the guidance of his parents as primary coaches, where he developed core foundational skills, including basic jumps and essential program elements, while also participating in during his first four years on the ice to build strength and coordination. The family later moved to the Skating Club of Boston in 2017, where his parents served as key instructors and founded the Tomorrow's Champions youth program. This period of non-competitive development allowed Naumov to internalize the discipline and artistry of , drawing directly from his parents' expertise as . The family's skating heritage played a pivotal role in Naumov's early motivation, as his parents not only taught him the fundamentals but also instilled a mindset of resilience and consistency in training. By focusing on progressive skill-building at the International Skating Center of Connecticut, Naumov laid the groundwork for his future in the sport without the pressures of formal competition during these formative years.

Competitive Career

Junior Achievements

Maxim Naumov's junior career began to gain prominence in the United States after his transition from the , where he had already shown promise. In 2017, competing in the novice category at the in Kansas City, he won the gold medal, demonstrating strong technical skills that set the stage for his junior progression. Influenced by early training from his parents, former Russian pair skaters, Naumov focused on building a solid foundation in during this period. Entering the junior ranks, Naumov earned the bronze medal at the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, placing third overall with a total score of 179.00 points. His performance included a score of 64.07 and a of 114.93, highlighting consistent and artistic expression. However, he did not compete during the due to injury, which limited his opportunities that year. In 2019, he returned to international competition at the ISU Junior Grand Prix in , finishing seventh with a total score of 179.15 points. Naumov's junior career peaked at the 2020 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro, where he claimed the national junior title with a total score of 206.92 points. In his to music from , he successfully landed two , along with other high-level elements that earned him grades on multiple components, showcasing his technical prowess and recovery from injury. This victory qualified him for the international circuit, where he placed fifth at the . Earlier international experience included an eighth-place finish at the 2017 ISU Junior Grand Prix in , with a total score of 163.66 points, marking his debut on the junior Grand Prix series.

Senior Competitions

Naumov transitioned to in the , marking a shift from his successful junior career where he had claimed the 2020 U.S. junior national title. His senior debut demonstrated growing technical proficiency, particularly in executing and , as he competed in both national and international events. Over the subsequent seasons, Naumov established himself as a consistent contender, earning three consecutive pewter medals at the U.S. Championships while gaining exposure through and .

U.S. Championships Performances

Naumov's senior national results highlighted his reliability and score improvements. At the in San Jose, California, he placed fourth overall with a total score of 249.14 points, including a score of 77.71 and a of 171.43, securing his first pewter medal. In 2024, competing in Columbus, Ohio, Naumov again finished fourth, achieving a personal best total of 260.50 points (: 89.72; : 170.78), which underscored his enhanced and jumping consistency. This performance earned him a second pewter medal and qualification for international assignments. Naumov replicated his fourth-place finish at the 2025 U.S. Championships in Wichita, Kansas, with a total score of 248.16 points (: 82.41; : 165.75 to music from ), claiming his third consecutive pewter medal despite challenges in the free skate.
YearEvent LocationTotal ScorePlacement
San Jose, CA77.71171.43249.144th
Columbus, OH89.72170.78260.504th
2025Wichita, KS82.41165.75248.164th

International Senior Appearances

Naumov's international senior career began with the in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he placed 10th with 218.71 points. That season, he also competed at in (10th, 210.53 points), and the Ondrej Nepela Memorial in (11th, 201.71 points). The saw further participation, including the in , (12th, 215.00 points), Nebelhorn Trophy in , (11th, 199.30 points), Skate America 2024 in , (7th, 216.38 points), and Warsaw Cup in , Poland (8th, 193.69 points). In 2025, Naumov debuted at the Lombardia Trophy in Bergamo, Italy (9th, 223.43 points), followed by Grand Prix de France in Angers, France (9th, 226.74 points). He achieved a breakthrough win at the Ice Challenge in Graz, Austria (1st, 246.70 points), and placed fourth at the Tallinn Trophy in Tallinn, Estonia (223.04 points).

Technical Progression

From 2023 onward, Naumov's programs evolved to feature more ambitious elements, including consistent and , often in combinations such as . His emphasized precision in jumps like the and , contributing to score increases, as seen in his 2024 personal best short program of 89.72. In , he enhanced his despite occasional underrotations, while improved through refined artistry and transitions. This progression was evident in his rising totals, from 249.14 in 2023 to a peak of 260.50 in 2024.

2026 U.S. Championships Performance

At the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Maxim Naumov delivered an emotional that honored his late parents, former Russian pair skaters Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shiskova, who tragically died in a plane crash at Reagan National Airport in 2025. The program was set to 's , a poignant solo piano piece that resonated deeply with Naumov and underscored the personal significance of his performance. Technically, the program featured a at the opening, followed by a and a , showcasing Naumov's precision and artistry despite the emotional weight of the skate. Naumov's execution earned him a total short program score of 85.72 points, placing him 4th after the . This score broke down into a of 44.57, reflecting the high base value and successful completion of his , and a of 41.15, which highlighted the judges' appreciation for his musical interpretation, skating skills, and emotional delivery. In the free skate, Naumov delivered a strong performance, ultimately finishing third overall and earning the bronze medal. Building on his prior senior-level experience as a three-time U.S. national pewter medalist, this result led to his selection for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team for the Milano Cortina Winter Games, alongside other skaters including Ilia Malinin and Amber Glenn. The reception to Naumov's skate was overwhelmingly positive, with the audience giving him a upon completion, moved by the visible emotion he poured into the program. During the , Naumov carried a photo of his parents, a touching gesture that amplified the tribute and drew widespread media attention to his resilience amid personal loss. This moment not only highlighted his technical prowess but also elevated his profile in the community, emphasizing the intersection of athletic achievement and personal storytelling.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family Tributes

Maxim Naumov's parents, former and world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, tragically died in a , just days after attending his fourth-place finish at the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. The crash occurred on January 29, 2025, when their Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. This devastating loss deeply affected Naumov, who had been coached by his parents throughout his career, and it profoundly influenced his subsequent public tributes to their memory. At the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in , Naumov delivered an emotional dedicated to his late parents, honoring their legacy in the sport. As a poignant gesture, he carried a faded family photograph to the , depicting himself as a young child stepping onto the ice for the first time with his parents at the International Skating Center of Connecticut. After completing his performance to a standing ovation, Naumov kissed the photograph, visibly moved by the moment that symbolized his enduring connection to his family's skating heritage. In post-performance interviews, Naumov shared heartfelt statements reflecting on and his parents' guidance, emphasizing how their encouragement continues to inspire him. He recounted a recent conversation with them about his aspiration to compete for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, noting that achieving this "would mean absolutely everything" and using "we" to convey their ongoing presence in his journey. Naumov also highlighted specific memories, such as his father's advice to "fight" for technical elements like the and his mother's focus on progressing to the next challenge rather than dwelling on setbacks, framing these as dedications that fuel his determination. These tributes garnered significant public attention, with media outlets covering the emotional depth of Naumov's performances and their resonance within the community. Interviews and reports emphasized how Naumov's dedications not only preserved his family's legacy but also highlighted themes of perseverance in the face of personal tragedy.

Impact on Figure Skating

Maxim Naumov has emerged as a symbol of in , particularly following the tragic loss of his parents in a 2025 plane crash, inspiring fellow skaters and fans through his determination to continue competing at a high level. His emotional performances, such as the at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, have highlighted themes of and , resonating widely within the and encouraging discussions on overcoming adversity. Naumov's journey has positioned him as a member of the 2026 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team for the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, selected less than one year after his parents' death, where he will represent the United States and extend his family's legacy in the sport. Beyond his competitive achievements, including three U.S. national pewter medals, Naumov contributes to the development of future skaters as the director of Tomorrow's Champions, a premier skating program at The Skating Club of Boston founded by his parents. In this role, he focuses on nurturing young talents, emphasizing technical skills and personal growth to build a stronger foundation for the next generation of American figure skaters. Additionally, Naumov has actively promoted in skating by sharing his personal experiences publicly, including through a campaign titled "Building Stronger Minds for Young Athletes" launched after his loss, which supports psychological resources for athletes dealing with trauma. Naumov's return to competitive ice in the 2025-2026 season after a hiatus marked a significant development, with debuts at international events such as the CS Lombardia Trophy in Italy and the Ice Challenge in Austria, where he achieved notable scores and broke personal barriers. These appearances, coupled with viral moments from his performances and interviews, have boosted public engagement with figure skating, drawing attention to the sport's emotional depth and attracting new audiences through social media and media coverage.

References

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