Skater Naumov Honors Parents, Plane Crash Victims at World Championships Gala
Amidst the glittering performances at the World Figure Skating Championships gala in Boston, a profound sense of loss and remembrance resonated, particularly surrounding the tragic plane crash in January that claimed the lives of 67 people, including former world pairs champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, The Associated Press reports.
Their son, Maxim Naumov, a member of the Skating Club of Boston, took to the ice Sunday, delivering a deeply emotional performance dedicated to his parents and all those who perished in the crash.
Naumov, who finished fourth at nationals, stopped in the center of the ice, looked skyward, and mouthed a message in Russian:
“This is for you guys. You guys are with me. I love you both.”
His poignant gesture served as a powerful tribute to his parents, who were among more than two dozen individuals returning from a development camp following the U.S. figure skating championships in Wichita, Kansas when their plane crashed into a military helicopter near Washington, D.C.
Since the devastating event, Naumov has become a symbol of resilience and a focus for the skating community’s collective grief and support.
He previously participated in a benefit in Washington, D.C., that raised over $1.2 million for the victims’ families. Naumov acknowledged that the time spent on the ice offers him a temporary escape from the pervasive sadness.
The World Championships, relocated to Boston from its original venue, served as a poignant reminder of the tragedy and its impact on the century-old Skating Club of Boston, a home to Olympians and recreational skaters alike. A dedicated tribute was held on Wednesday, and throughout the competition, there were subtle but powerful reminders of the lives lost.
Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, who finished sixth in pairs, held aloft pictures of the Boston club members who died in the crash. Reigning US champion Amber Glenn wore a T-shirt honoring the memory of the young skaters lost.
Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God” who secured his second consecutive world championship on Saturday night, concluded Sunday’s gala with a moving performance dedicated to the plane crash victims, finishing the routine visibly emotional and fighting back tears.
When Naumov was introduced, the announcer identified him as a member of the Skating Club of Boston and mentioned his three fourth-place finishes at nationals. While the announcement did not specifically reference the crash, the audience was clearly aware of his connection. He received not only polite applause, but a second wave of appreciation, with many standing to cheer him on.
Following his skate, Naumov paused, patted his heart, and waved to the audience. His bows were deep and heartfelt. As he left the ice to a one-minute standing ovation, he made the sign of the cross, leaving a lasting impression of grief, gratitude, and enduring strength.
