Skating Community Stands Behind Malinin
American figure skater Maxim Naumov expressed support for teammate Ilia Malinin following his eighth-place finish in the men’s singles at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Naumov recalled seeing Malinin in the Olympic Village after his routine, where the gold medal favorite fell multiple times.
“I want him to know that we love him and care about him,” Naumov said. “That day on the ice doesn’t define him. It’s how you respond, and knowing him, I know he’ll be okay.”
Naumov’s Personal Journey of Resilience
Naumov understands the value of perseverance firsthand. He qualified for the Olympics after losing both parents in a plane crash last year. His parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, won a world championship in pairs skating in 1994 and narrowly missed Olympic medals at the Lillehammer Games. Later, they moved to the U.S. and coached skaters across New England.
Motivated by their Olympic dreams for him, Naumov dedicated his men’s singles performance to his late parents.
“I wanted so badly to be like them and bring their dream to life. It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he told “TODAY.”
During the competition, Naumov drew strength from a mantra his parents taught him.
“Ever since I was a kid, we always said, ‘put everything out there on the ice,’ with all your energy and passion. That helps you get through it,” he said. “The hard work is done at home. When you’re out there, you have to enjoy the moment.”
A Moving Olympic Tribute
After completing his short program, Naumov knelt on the ice, soaking in the Olympic experience. He looked up and said, “Look what we just did,” while holding a photo of his parents as his score was announced.
Naumov’s resilience and compassion show why he is admired both on and off the ice. His support for Malinin highlights the solidarity within Team USA and the larger skating community.
