Holding close to his faith and family, this figure skater’s story is one of resilience.
It has been nearly one year since the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., that involved an American Airlines flight and an Army Blackhawk helicopter. Two of the 67 victims who died on Jan. 29, 2025, were the parents of U.S. figure skater Maxim Naumov, who just made headlines over the weekend after securing a spot on the Olympic figure skating team.
Before taking to the ice for his solo performance last Thursday, the 24-year-old skater showed remarkable resilience: Just one year ago, his parents watched him skate before the tragedy occurred. After the event, Naumov flew safely home, but his parents changed their flight to the one that landed in the icy Potomac, claiming every life on board.
This year, proud parents Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, a renowned figure skating pair for Russia in 1994, were close to Naumrov, represented in a photo, as he skated to secure a spot on the 2026 Olympic team.
The champion skater also brought his faith on the ice.
As a video documents, while strobe lights flicker across the ice rink, Naumrov’s name is announced as a member of Team USA — and before stepping out for a victory lap, the young skater makes the Sign of the Cross, not once, but twice.
Wow. US Figure Skating highlights Maxim Naumov making the sign of the cross as he receives a spot on the Olympic team
1 year ago, he lost his parents in the infamous DC plane crash
Even in suffering, God gets the glory ✝️ pic.twitter.com/RHsyIlr0ol
— Anna Lulis (@annamlulis) January 12, 2026
Naumov is now one of 16 atheletes who will represent the U.S. in Italy for the Milan Cortina Games. His spot on the team is a hope that both of his parents held while coaching him in his younger years.
His first thought when he heard the news?
“My parents, what we talked about and how much we discussed this through my entire life, and how much it means to us, and how much the Olympics is part of our family: I thought of them immediately,” said Naumov, according to U.S. Figure Skating. “I wish they could be here to experience it with me, but I do feel their presence, and they are with me.”
The young skater can be seen kissing tenderly a family photo as his scores are shared. In the photograph, he is about 3 years old, standing between his parents, his first coaches, wearing white skates and stepping out onto the ice for the very first time at the International Skating Center of Connecticut.
Maxim Naumov experienced the immeasurable loss of both parents in a plane crash that devastated the US Skating Community. One year later, he takes the lead at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships with a favorite photograph in-hand. pic.twitter.com/pxv47AwrXr
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) January 9, 2026
The Sign of the Cross has become a staple in the sports world. From ice skating rinks and soccer fields to football fields and basketball courts, the sacred gesture is also a sign of faith. But it is much more than that. It’s a prayer. It’s a way to give glory to God even when words can’t be spoken. And the beautiful witness can offer hope to us all.