Maxim Naumov has one of the most heartfelt stories at the 2026 Winter Olympics, because he’s skating in honor of his late parents. Naumov is fulfilling the wishes of his late parents by competing in the Winter Games.
Naumov’s parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were coming back from a talent camp in Kansas when their American Airlines flight tragically hit with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River in January 2025.
But, there’s more to his story. Let’s get into Naumov’s story, including if he’s dating anyone right now.
Maxim Naumov is an Only Child
Naumov doesn’t have any siblings. He’s an only child, and it’s obvious his parents were very proud of him.
In their last joint Instagram post, his parents praised him. “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,” they stated. “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 four continents.”
Maxim Naumov Says He’s Fulfilling His Parents’ Wishes
After his Olympic debut on Tuesday, February 10, Naumov told NBC News that being there on the ice was a moment he and his parents had spent years to make happen.
“I can’t say I wasn’t a little bit nervous but I felt so calm and so confident and was just really taking my time on everything,” he told NBC News. “I felt like I was being guided like a chess piece on a chessboard. As I was going into one element and another, I didn’t have any fear in my mind — just confidence and ready to go.”
He Lives By His Dad’s Favorite Quote (And It’s a Good One)
Inside Naumov’s white Team USA jacket, he has a special 1uote from his dad: “Expect the unexpected.”
“This is my dad’s favorite quote,” Naumov told NBC News. “He kept saying to me, always, at every competition, at every hard turn, there’s always going to be things that are thrown at you in life.” He added, “However big, however small, you gotta expect the unexpected and continue to move forward no matter what. And that’s exactly what we did the entire season — my entire 19 years of skating, all to this moment.”
He Gives Thanks to His Late Parents for His Success
“I would not be sitting here without the unimaginable work, effort, and love from my parents,” Maxim said in a press conference getting on the Olympic team.
He added, “It means absolutely everything to me, fulfilling the dream that we collectively had as a family since I first was on the ice at 5 years old. So it means absolutely everything. And I know they’re looking down, smiling and proud.”
Maxim Naumov is also a Mental Health Advocate
Naumov has launched a metal health initiative for other athletes. So, he’s “creating space for athletes beyond the competition.”
“He’s now launched a fundraiser to support a new initiative focused on mental wellness in sports—helping build resources that support athletes emotionally, not just physically,” a post on his official Instagram page states. “The goal is to help young athletes develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of support, so they don’t have to face pressure or loss alone.”
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