Key Highlights
- The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan will be a poignant event for Max Naumov, who lost his parents in the Flight 5342 crash.
- A control tower malfunction and airspace design issues were identified as contributing factors to the tragic accident that killed 28 figure skaters and their supporters.
- The skating community rallied together after the crash, offering support and organizing tributes to those lost.
- Max Naumov’s journey from grief to Olympic selection showcases resilience in the face of tragedy.
A Legacy of Tragedy
Four weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympics, Max Naumov sat on a rinkside couch in St. Louis, his shoulders heaving with grief over the loss of his parents. They were among the 28 victims of Flight 5342, which crashed into the Potomac River just outside Washington D.C.
The Crash
On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided over the Potomac. The crash was a grim reminder of the inherent risks in navigating complex airspace near major airports like Reagan National. Air traffic control failures and inadequate communication between aircraft and controllers were identified as critical factors.
A Community in Grief
The impact on the skating community was profound. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, recounted the anxiety-filled night when he first learned about the crash. He remembers the initial texts from members trying to determine if anyone they knew had been on board. The news was devastating; all 64 passengers and crew aboard Flight 5342 died.
Recovery and Resilience
Despite the tragedy, the skating community found ways to support each other. In St. Louis, where Naumov competed for a spot in the Olympics, he carried his parents’ picture with him. Max rededicated himself to his craft, embodying the spirit of those lost by continuing their legacy on the ice.
Naumov’s Journey
Max’s journey back from loss was arduous but inspiring. He had conversations about making the Olympic team just before his parents died. In St.
Louis, he competed in the Men’s Short Program for the 2026 United States Figure Skating Championships. His commitment to skating became a testament to those who couldn’t be there physically.
A Bond of Support
Naumov’s dedication and success resonated with fellow skaters and coaches. Jimmy Ma, a Boston-based skater, expressed his pride in Naumov’s resilience. He said, “Max has always been a hardworking kid, but you see him reapproach his training and his commitment to the Olympic team. It was always about him and his parents working together for him to make the team.”