- 23-year-old skater lost both parents in January's Potomac River air disaster
- Benefit event raised over $1 million for 67 crash victims' families
- Skating Club of Boston becomes focal point for community healing
- Mac Miller tribute program channels grief through artistic expression
When Maxim Naumov stepped onto the TD Garden ice for the World Figure Skating Championships gala, the weight of recent tragedy transformed into transcendent artistry. The Boston-based skater's interpretation of Mac Miller's posthumous track “That’s on Me” served as both personal catharsis and public memorial for his parents – renowned coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova – who perished in January’s devastating mid-air collision near Washington, D.C.
The skating world has rallied around Naumov since the disaster that claimed nearly 70 lives, including multiple athletes returning from the U.S. National Championships. Industry analysts note a 40% increase in grassroots donations to skating nonprofits since the crash, with federations implementing new trauma counseling protocols. “This tragedy shows how tightly knit our community remains,” observed former Olympian Polina Edmunds. “When one member hurts, we all find ways to lift them up.”
Naumov’s training base at the historic Skating Club of Boston has become an unexpected case study in institutional grief support. Founded in 1912, the club has hosted champions like Tenley Albright while maintaining public skating programs. “We’re balancing competitive priorities with community care,” explained club director Joe Blount. “Our memorial wall now features flowers from local schools and international federations alike.”
Psychological experts emphasize the therapeutic value of Naumov’s ice routines. “Physical expression through sport can process trauma more effectively than verbal therapy alone,” noted Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Alicia Monroe. This aligns with skaters’ creative tributes – from Ilia Malinin’s tearful finale to Amber Glenn’s commemorative T-shirt designs honoring young victims.
As Naumov concludes his program mouthing “I love you both” to the rafters, the standing ovation reflects more than athletic appreciation. It symbolizes a global community’s commitment to carrying survivors forward – one triple axel at a time.
