Latest news with #AlisaEfimova
NBC Sports
19-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Efimova, Mitrofanov contribute to U.S. title
Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov's performance in the pairs free skate at World Team Trophy Figure Skating helped the United States secure its sixth overall title in the event.
Washington Post
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Strong finish at skating worlds gives US hope for 3rd Olympic pair. That hasn't happened since 1994.
BOSTON — Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov of the U.S. celebrated once in the center of the ice after their free skate at the world figure skating championships on Thursday night and again about a half hour later. Moments after the pair said they hoped for a strong finish that would help their nation qualify a third team for the 2026 Olympics, the scores for their teammates, Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, were announced and word filtered over: 'You did it.'
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Figure skater who lost both parents in DC plane crash brings world championships crowd to its feet
Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, left, take a bow as Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, right, applaud during a pairs practice session at the figure skating world championships, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Gold medalist Ilia Malinin, of the United States, celebrates during a medal ceremony for men's free skating at the figure skating world championships, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Jae Youl Kim, President of the International Skating Union, remembers the victims of the American Airlines plane crash, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships, at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Photographs, flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) A remembrance is shown of Jinna Han, who died in the American Airlines plane crash in January, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) The chairs where skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane use to sit are part of a hallway memorial for the skaters, who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, left, take a bow as Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, right, applaud during a pairs practice session at the figure skating world championships, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Gold medalist Ilia Malinin, of the United States, celebrates during a medal ceremony for men's free skating at the figure skating world championships, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Jae Youl Kim, President of the International Skating Union, remembers the victims of the American Airlines plane crash, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships, at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Photographs, flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) A remembrance is shown of Jinna Han, who died in the American Airlines plane crash in January, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) The chairs where skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane use to sit are part of a hallway memorial for the skaters, who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) BOSTON (AP) — Maxim Naumov came to a stop in the middle of the ice, looked up at the sky and patted his heart. Then he mouthed a few words, in Russian, to his parents: 'This is for you guys. You guys are with me. I love you both.' Advertisement Former world pairs champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova died in January when their plane crashed into a military helicopter on approach to Washington, D.C., and fell into the icy Potomac River. A total of 67 people were killed, including more than two dozen who were returning from a development camp following the U.S. figure skating championships in Wichita, Kansas. Maxim Naumov, who finished fourth at nationals, already had returned home. Since the crash, he has become in many ways the face of the tragedy — or at least its effect on the skating community. 'I don't think I've walked through a hallway and haven't given a hug since. And I feel that support and love,' he said Sunday. 'It's been beyond anything that I could have ever even imagined. And it helps so much to get through this day. 'It's overwhelming,' he said. 'But it makes my heart so full.' Advertisement Naumov, 23, skated in a benefit in Washington earlier this month that raised more than $1.2 million for the victims' families. Speaking to reporters Sunday after performing at the world championships gala, Naumov said the time that he is on the ice gives his mind a chance to escape the tragedy. 'As soon as I hit the ice, my brain just — I don't know whether it's focus or just calmness or stillness or what, but it feels like I tune everything out,' he said. 'And I'm just talking with them, and they're helping me. 'I don't hear the crowd. I don't hear the announcers, I don't hear anything. I just have this internal dialogue and I'm just able to almost be calm and just be in my heart,' Naumov said. 'And they're always there, too. And every time I think of them, especially when I'm on the ice, it really, really helps me get through.' The world championships, which had previously been scheduled at the home of Boston's Celtics and Bruins, brought renewed attention to the plane crash and the century-old Skating Club of Boston that has been a home for Olympians and recreational skaters alike. Advertisement There was a tribute on Wednesday, sandwiched between the day's two sessions, and frequent reminders of the tragedy. Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, who finished sixth in pairs this weekend, held up pictures of the Boston club members who died in the crash: two young skaters, their mothers and the two coaches. Reigning U.S. champion Amber Glenn wore a T-shirt honoring the memory of all the young skaters who were lost. Ilia Malinin, the 'Quad God' who won his second straight world championship on Saturday night, finished the show on Sunday with a performance that he said was dedicated to the plane crash victims. He came to the end, red-eyed and choking back tears. Naumov's introduction on Sunday identified him as a member of the Boston club and included his three fourth-place finishes at nationals. It didn't mention the crash, but many in the crowd surely knew his connection: He received not only the polite applause that greeted most of the other skaters, but a second wave, with individuals standing to cheer him on. Advertisement Wearing unadorned black pants and a sparkly black top, a gold chain flopping around his neck as he glided across the ice, Naumov gave a gala performance aimed more at emotion than proof of athletic prowess. The choice of music, Mac Miller's posthumous 2020 release 'That's on Me,' was intentional. Miller died of an accidental drug overdose in 2018. 'Lately, for some reason — well, not for some reason — but lately I've just been listening to Mac Miller's album 'Circles.' Like just over and over and over,' Naumov said. 'And knowing the unfortunate story about him as an artist, it's been very relatable. 'I relate to it, and I feel really deeply and emotionally what he's talking about in those songs. And it's also been really helpful for me to almost get my emotions out in that way personally.' Advertisement When his skate was over, Naumov took a deep breath, patted his heart again and waved in each direction. His bows were deep and poignant. Leaving the ice after a one-minute standing ovation, he made the sign of the cross. 'There's a lot of emotions just right now, and it's hard to even put a name to what I'm feeling currently," he said. "I just feel so much support, and it's very overwhelming. 'I have so much gratitude," Naumov said. 'And I'm thankful for each and every single one of those fans.' ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Figure skater who lost both parents in DC plane crash brings world championships crowd to its feet
Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, left, take a bow as Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, right, applaud during a pairs practice session at the figure skating world championships, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Gold medalist Ilia Malinin, of the United States, celebrates during a medal ceremony for men's free skating at the figure skating world championships, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Jae Youl Kim, President of the International Skating Union, remembers the victims of the American Airlines plane crash, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships, at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Photographs, flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) A remembrance is shown of Jinna Han, who died in the American Airlines plane crash in January, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) The chairs where skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane use to sit are part of a hallway memorial for the skaters, who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, left, take a bow as Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, right, applaud during a pairs practice session at the figure skating world championships, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Gold medalist Ilia Malinin, of the United States, celebrates during a medal ceremony for men's free skating at the figure skating world championships, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Jae Youl Kim, President of the International Skating Union, remembers the victims of the American Airlines plane crash, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships, at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Photographs, flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Flowers and remembrances are displayed for the six athletes, coaches and family members who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) A remembrance is shown of Jinna Han, who died in the American Airlines plane crash in January, in which 28 people associated with the figure skating community were killed on their way home from the national championships at the figure skating world championships, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) The chairs where skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane use to sit are part of a hallway memorial for the skaters, who perished in a plane crash in January, at The Skating Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Norwood, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Max Naumov reacts after performing Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington at the Legacy on Ice event, a figure skating tribute to support the families and loved ones affected by the Jan. 29, 2025, aviation incident. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) BOSTON (AP) — Maxim Naumov came to a stop in the middle of the ice, looked up at the sky and patted his heart. Then he mouthed a few words, in Russian, to his parents: 'This is for you guys. You guys are with me. I love you both.' Advertisement Former world pairs champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova died in January when their plane crashed into a military helicopter on approach to Washington, D.C., and fell into the icy Potomac River. A total of 67 people were killed, including more than two dozen who were returning from a development camp following the U.S. figure skating championships in Wichita, Kansas. Maxim Naumov, who finished fourth at nationals, already had returned home. Since the crash, he has become in many ways the face of the tragedy — or at least its effect on the skating community. 'I don't think I've walked through a hallway and haven't given a hug since. And I feel that support and love,' he said Sunday. 'It's been beyond anything that I could have ever even imagined. And it helps so much to get through this day. 'It's overwhelming,' he said. 'But it makes my heart so full.' Advertisement Naumov, 23, skated in a benefit in Washington earlier this month that raised more than $1.2 million for the victims' families. Speaking to reporters Sunday after performing at the world championships gala, Naumov said the time that he is on the ice gives his mind a chance to escape the tragedy. 'As soon as I hit the ice, my brain just — I don't know whether it's focus or just calmness or stillness or what, but it feels like I tune everything out,' he said. 'And I'm just talking with them, and they're helping me. 'I don't hear the crowd. I don't hear the announcers, I don't hear anything. I just have this internal dialogue and I'm just able to almost be calm and just be in my heart,' Naumov said. 'And they're always there, too. And every time I think of them, especially when I'm on the ice, it really, really helps me get through.' The world championships, which had previously been scheduled at the home of Boston's Celtics and Bruins, brought renewed attention to the plane crash and the century-old Skating Club of Boston that has been a home for Olympians and recreational skaters alike. Advertisement There was a tribute on Wednesday, sandwiched between the day's two sessions, and frequent reminders of the tragedy. Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, who finished sixth in pairs this weekend, held up pictures of the Boston club members who died in the crash: two young skaters, their mothers and the two coaches. Reigning U.S. champion Amber Glenn wore a T-shirt honoring the memory of all the young skaters who were lost. Ilia Malinin, the 'Quad God' who won his second straight world championship on Saturday night, finished the show on Sunday with a performance that he said was dedicated to the plane crash victims. He came to the end, red-eyed and choking back tears. Naumov's introduction on Sunday identified him as a member of the Boston club and included his three fourth-place finishes at nationals. It didn't mention the crash, but many in the crowd surely knew his connection: He received not only the polite applause that greeted most of the other skaters, but a second wave, with individuals standing to cheer him on. Advertisement Wearing unadorned black pants and a sparkly black top, a gold chain flopping around his neck as he glided across the ice, Naumov gave a gala performance aimed more at emotion than proof of athletic prowess. The choice of music, Mac Miller's posthumous 2020 release 'That's on Me,' was intentional. Miller died of an accidental drug overdose in 2018. 'Lately, for some reason — well, not for some reason — but lately I've just been listening to Mac Miller's album 'Circles.' Like just over and over and over,' Naumov said. 'And knowing the unfortunate story about him as an artist, it's been very relatable. 'I relate to it, and I feel really deeply and emotionally what he's talking about in those songs. And it's also been really helpful for me to almost get my emotions out in that way personally.' Advertisement When his skate was over, Naumov took a deep breath, patted his heart again and waved in each direction. His bows were deep and poignant. Leaving the ice after a one-minute standing ovation, he made the sign of the cross. 'There's a lot of emotions just right now, and it's hard to even put a name to what I'm feeling currently," he said. "I just feel so much support, and it's very overwhelming. 'I have so much gratitude," Naumov said. 'And I'm thankful for each and every single one of those fans.' ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Strong finish at skating worlds gives US hope for 3rd Olympic pair. That hasn't happened since 1994.
Strong finish at skating worlds gives US hope for 3rd Olympic pair. That hasn't happened since 1994. Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Audience members cheer for Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Audience members cheer for Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov, of the United States, perform during the pairs free skating program at the figure skating world championships, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) BOSTON (AP) — Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov of the U.S. celebrated once in the center of the ice after their free skate at the world figure skating championships on Thursday night and again about a half hour later. Moments after the pair said they hoped for a strong finish that would help their nation qualify a third team for the 2026 Olympics, the scores for their teammates, Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea, were announced and word filtered over: 'You did it.' The skaters hugged again, and bounced with glee. Advertisement By finishing in the top six – one spot ahead of Kam and O'Shea – Efimova and Mitrofanov helped the U.S. provisionally qualify three pairs for 2026 Winter Games. Two of the spots are guaranteed, and a third can be secured at a qualifying event in Beijing later this year. 'It's bigger than us,' Mitrofanov said. 'We set a little goal in our heads that we knew that there was a possibility, and that is something that we really want to strive for. Whether or not we'll make it to the Olympics, we will always know that we did everything for Team USA.' An international power in the other three figure skating disciplines, the Americans have never won gold in pairs; they have not medaled since Jill Watson and Peter Oppegard took bronze in Calgary in 1988. It has been more than 30 years – the 1994 Games in Lillehammer – since the United States has sent three pairs to the Olympics. Advertisement Efimova and Mitrofanov were shaky with the double axels in their combination sequence, and she put her foot down on their triple toe loops. But otherwise, their program set to 'Je Suis Malade' earned high marks for execution. When the reigning U.S. champions finished, they pumped their fists and screamed in ecstasy. Efimova pounded on his chest in celebration. They hugged, with Mitrofanov squeezing her head hard into his chest. The scores – 135.59 in the free skate, and 199.29 overall – were career bests and good enough to place them first at the time. That didn't last – they finished fourth in the free skate, and sixth overall, with Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan returning to the top step of the pairs podium a year after losing their title. The crowd responded with a standing ovation for the Efimova and Mitrofanov, hometown favorites who train at the Skating Club of Boston. The club lost six people in a January plane crash that killed more than two dozen members of the skating community coming back from a development camp following the U.S. championships in Wichita, Kansas. Advertisement 'It feels like a family,' Mitrofanov said. 'We have all come together, and it's a very tight community, and we're very blessed to represent the Skating Club of Boston and train there and have so many people support us. 'It means everything,' he said. 'To be honest, that's a dream come true. Since we knew that worlds would be in Boston, that's when we were like, 'Oh my goodness, this would be our dream to be able to put out two great performances.'' A day after their emotional skate in the short program, which followed shortly after a tribute to the crash victims, Efimova said she focused on her performance this time. She didn't realize what they'd accomplished until Mitrofanov spun her around. 'I forgot about the crowd, totally,' she said. 'This happened also at nationals, and afterwards I told Misha that I didn't really see it. I did not understand what was going on. And this time he turned me around and said, 'Watch!' And I was like 'Oh, right, there's a crowd.'' Advertisement And when she saw him celebrating, she knew it must be pretty special. 'I always try to stay calm, but in these kind of moments, I can't. I can't,' he said. 'It's everything that I gave. I gave my heart out to that skate and it really felt great.' ___ AP sports:
