As excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics, one deeply personal interview offered a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the competition. Appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show on February 4, U.S. figure skater Maxim Naumov opened up about the heartbreak that has shaped his Olympic journey.
On January 29, 2025, Naumov lost both of his parents in a tragic plane crash. Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov—1994 World Pairs Champions—were more than decorated athletes. They were Maxim’s lifelong coaches, mentors, and strongest supporters. In an instant, he lost not only his family but the foundation of his skating career.
Speaking candidly with Clarkson, Naumov shared that competing at the Olympics was never just a personal ambition. “It was always their dream,” he said softly, explaining that every performance he delivers now is in honor of the path his parents envisioned for him long before Milan 2026 became a reality.
One of the most emotional moments came when Naumov revealed a promise he made shortly before the tragedy. While staying at a hotel in Wichita, Kansas, his father had mapped out a detailed plan for the upcoming season—what Maxim described as a 45-minute “master plan” to help him finally break through after years of near-podium finishes. His father ended that conversation with advice he often repeated: “Expect the unexpected.”
“I told them I would fight until the very end of every program,” Naumov said. “I didn’t know the unexpected would mean losing them. But I’m keeping that promise.”
Clarkson, visibly moved, commended his resilience and strength. The interview resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom praised the heartfelt exchange and Naumov’s ability to channel grief into determination.
In the year since the accident, Naumov has rebuilt his life and career step by step. He captured bronze at the 2026 U.S. Championships, secured his place on the Olympic team, and continues to honor his parents by wearing his father’s ring and a gold cross for strength. He has also helped carry forward the Boston skating program his parents founded, ensuring their influence endures beyond competition.
As he prepares to take the ice in Milan, Naumov carries more than Olympic hopes. He carries a promise—and the enduring dream of two parents who