The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have already delivered moments that will be etched in our memories forever, but none more so than the emotional journey of American figure skater Maxim Naumov. His story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and the unbreakable bond between a son and his parents.
Just over a year ago, Naumov’s world was shattered when his parents, former world champion pairs skaters Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were among the 67 lives lost in a devastating plane crash in Washington DC. The tragedy also claimed the lives of 28 athletes, coaches, and parents connected to U.S. figure skating. For Naumov, the dream of representing Team USA was one of the last things he shared with his parents—a dream he was determined to fulfill in their honor.
And this is the part most people miss: Naumov’s journey to the Olympics wasn’t just about skating; it was about carrying the legacy of his parents, his 'superheroes,' with him every step of the way. After his performance, he shared with the BBC, 'They are my role models, my biggest support system. I just wanted to make them proud.' His father’s words, 'Everything is practice until it is the Olympics,' became his mantra, a reminder of the sacrifices and love that fueled his pursuit.
On Tuesday, Naumov took to the ice, skating to Frederic Chopin’s Nocturne No. 20. Despite a slight stumble on his triple axel, he delivered a technically solid routine that left the audience in awe. As he finished, the 24-year-old dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face, and looked skyward. With a smile that spoke volumes, he mouthed 'thank you'—a gesture that seemed directed as much to the crowd as to his parents watching from above.
The judges awarded him a season-best score of 85.65, securing his spot in the top 24 and a place in the free skate. But the most poignant moment came when Naumov held up a photo of his late parents, a cherished image of him as a child holding their hands near an ice rink. 'I bring it everywhere I go,' he said. 'It’s in my bag, right here on my heart. They deserve to be here, to see what we’ve done.'
But here's where it gets controversial: While Naumov’s story tugged at heartstrings, another skater, Spain’s Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate, brought a different kind of emotion to the Games—one that sparked debate and delight in equal measure. Known for his flamboyant and unconventional routines, Sabate had spent the 2025-26 season skating to songs from Despicable Me’s Minions, dressed in a yellow T-shirt and blue overalls. However, a copyright issue threatened to derail his Olympic performance, leading to days of negotiations and an online outcry from fans.
Ultimately, the issue was resolved, and Sabate was cleared to skate to his beloved Minions music. But fate had other plans. Almost immediately, he tripped on his first element, and the routine never fully recovered. With too many technical errors, his score of 69.80 left him in 25th place, just shy of advancing. Yet, Sabate’s exit was anything but ordinary. Bowing with gusto to all four sides of the arena, he cemented his place as one of Milan-Cortina’s most unforgettable characters.
Here’s the question that’s sure to spark debate: Did Sabate’s unconventional routine deserve a place on the Olympic stage, or should the Games prioritize traditional figure skating? And for Naumov, does his emotional journey overshadow the technical aspects of his performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
