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Orphaned Skater Maxim Naumov Qualifies for 2026 Olympics

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Maxim Naumov, 24, qualified for the U.S. Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.
His parents Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova died in a crash involving a military helicopter that killed 67 people.
At the U.S. Championships, Naumov scored 163.44.
He performed with a childhood photo of his parents and said they discussed his Olympic dreams, aiming to honor their legacy with Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev.

History

Historical Context

On January 26, 2005, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter crashed in Iraq, killing all 31 aboard, marking the deadliest single incident for U.S. troops during the Iraq War. This tragedy occurred just days before the Iraqi parliamentary elections, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by service members. Today, Maxim Naumov honors his parents lost in the crash by competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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Story summary

Maxim Naumov, 24, qualified for the U.S. Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.
His parents Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova died in a crash involving a military helicopter that killed 67 people.
At the U.S. Championships, Naumov scored 163.44.
He performed with a childhood photo of his parents and said they discussed his Olympic dreams, aiming to honor their legacy with Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev.

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