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Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stars on Ice shows to feature skater whose parents died in DC crash. Here's what you need to know
A Boston figure skater whose parents died in a plane crash in Washington, D.C. in January is set to perform this weekend in a moving tribute during two Stars on Ice shows in Norwood. Maxim Naumov, a three-time U.S. National Pewter medalist, will be the guest skater at two shows to be held at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Tenley E. Albright Performance Center at The Skating Club of Boston, 750 University Ave. in Norwood. His parents, Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among six people with ties to a Massachusetts figure skating club who were aboard an American Airlines plane that was involved in a deadly midair collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29. Naumov's parents won the pairs title at the 1994 World Championships and competed twice in the Olympics. He remembered his late parents during a sit down interview with Boston 25's Gene Lavanchy in the television studio on Wednesday. 'Just professionals in their craft, dedicated and committed to their athletes and their family — obvious, to me,' Naumov said. 'True professionals through and through. Always the kindest, sweetest people and there to support me every single step of the way — from growing up to reaching the highest levels in my sport." The Norwood shows will be the first public performances at his home rink since losing his parents. 'I'm incredibly, incredibly excited for it,' Naumov said of returning to his home rink to perform for the public. Naumov will be introduced by Canadian figure skating legend Elvis Stojko, whose first World Championship victory in 1994 coincided with the year Max's parents claimed their World Gold medal. THE PERFORMERS In addition to Naumov, headlining the tour's Boston performances is Ilia Malinin, the reigning two-time World Champion and three-time reigning U.S. Champion, who made history as the first and only skater to land a quadruple Axel in competition. Alysa Liu, the newly crowned World Champion and two-time U.S. Champion, will also perform. She returned to competitive skating after a two-year hiatus, winning the U.S.'s first women's World title since 2006. Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Olympic Team Gold medalists, three-time and reigning World champions, and six-time and reigning U.S. Ice Dance Champions, will also perform. They recently made history as the first ice dance team to win three consecutive World titles in over 25 years. Elvis Stojko, dubbed 'the King of Rock (on Ice),' will make his highly anticipated U.S. tour debut after years of performing in the Stars on Ice shows in Canada. A two-time Olympic Silver Medalist, three-time World Champion, and seven-time Canadian Champion, Stojko is one of the most decorated figure skaters in history. Along with the reigning World Champions, the lineup includes World Silver Medalist and U.S. Champion Isabeau Levito; two-time and reigning U.S. Champion Amber Glenn; Olympic Team Bronze Medalist and U.S. Champion Jason Brown; Olympian and two-time Canadian Champion Keegan Messing; and two-time World medalist and four-time Japanese Champion Satoko Miyahara. THE SHOWS The 2025 Stars on Ice tour 'brings an electrifying new theme' of 'Rock Stars on Ice,' show organizers said in a statement. The show 'fuses the power and energy of rock music with the elegance and artistry of world-class figure skating,' organizers said. 'Audiences will be treated to iconic rock hits performed by a stellar cast, creating a thrilling rock concert experience on the ice,' organizers said. A SOLEMN REMEMBRANCE Others killed in the January crash with ties to the Massachusetts skating community were two young skaters, Jinna Han, 13, of Mansfield and Spencer Lane, 16, of Barrington, Rhode Island. Their mothers, Jin Han and Christine Lane, also died in the crash. Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both of Norwood, were coaching the young skaters. In January, local skating legend Nancy Kerrigan wept as she spoke of the Boston skating club victims killed in the fateful plane crash. Gov. Maura Healey in January called news of the crash 'devastating.' When asked Wednesday how he's getting through the loss of his parents, Maxim Naumov said he's trying to stay positive. 'Taking it a day at a time. There are difficult days and there are easier days. But I am just taking it one step at a time,' Maxim Naumov said. He said he tries to 'Stick to the positive as much as I can.' TICKET INFORMATION Tickets for the 2025 Stars on Ice tour are available now, starting at $100.00 (service charges apply). Limited on-ice seating is available. For tickets, visit and This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
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:
New York Times
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Maxim Naumov's late parents are with him on the ice, now and forever
BOSTON — Few people in the world could possibly understand the grief being felt by Maxim Naumov, the 23-year-old from The Skating Club of Boston who two months ago lost both his parents in a plane crash over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. But judging by the reception Naumov received Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, he has a shoulder to cry on that circles the globe. Advertisement Naumov received a long, respectful standing ovation when he was introduced at the 'Exhibition of Champions' on this last day of the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships. It wasn't necessary for it to be announced that Naumov's parents, former Olympian champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were onboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a United States Army helicopter, killing 67 people. Everybody knows. They've read the media accounts. They've seen the television coverage. On this afternoon in Boston, they could see it in Max Naumov's eyes. And they could see it in his skating. He delivered a flawless exhibition of love, skating to a selection from the late American rapper Mac Miller's 'Circles' album. When he finished, Naumov looked straight up and extended his arms. He said something, which all of us in attendance assumed to be a message to his parents. It was. 'It was all in Russian,' Naumov said, speaking with a media gathering after his skating exhibition. 'This is for you guys. You guys were with me. I love you both.' Only recently has Naumov begun to talk publicly about losing his parents. In an interview with NBC's 'Today' that aired last Thursday, Naumov revealed that his parents, who were on hand in Wichita, Kan., to see Maxim finish fourth in the United States Figure Skating Championships, made a last-second change in plans for the trip back to Boston. 'My mom let me know that they're switching flights and that if I could, pick them up,' Naumov told 'Today.' His parents, who had become coaches, remained in Wichita a few days for a development camp. Maxim, an only child who lives at the family home in Simsbury, Conn., and trains at The Skating Club of Boston, had returned to New England after the competition. Sunday's performance at TD Garden was his second skating exhibition since his parents' deaths. On March 2, he performed at 'Legacy on Ice,' a benefit to raise funds for the families of crash victims and first responders held at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. In addition to his appearance on 'Today' and an interview for NBC Sports, Naumov also did some television interviews after Sunday's exhibition performance. This was followed by a visit to the mixed zone that lasted just under 10 minutes. Advertisement Naumov has acquitted himself well in these settings, which gives us license to suggest this heartbroken young man possesses the strength, maturity and conviction to meet the many challenges that are ahead. He'll need help, though. And by all accounts, help is all around him. 'I lose count,' Naumov said. 'I can't count on my hands and toes how many hugs and people have come up to me and expressed their support. It makes my heart so full. 'I have so much gratitude, and I'm thankful for each and every one of those fans,' he said. 'It really does feel like extra strength.' GO DEEPER Madison Chock and Evan Bates, U.S. ice dance stars, win third straight world title Naumov has been buoyed by the support he has received from The Skating Club of Boston. 'It's been beyond anything that I ever could have imagined,' Naumov said. 'I'm so grateful and thankful for the support of the figure skating community. It helps so much to get through these days.' But know this: While it's true that TD Garden was sold out on Sunday, Maxim Naumov was all alone. Yes, he later talked about the people who have been there for him — 'Coaches, skaters, parents, other athletes, people behind the scenes,' he said — and I don't believe he was speaking figuratively when he added that he's yet to walk down a hallway the past two months without being hugged by somebody. 'I'm thinking about these people all the time,' Naumov said. 'But as soon as I hit the ice, my brain … I don't know whether it's focus or calmness or stillness or what, I tune everything out, especially now. All the voices, everything. It's just quiet. I'm just talking with them, and they're helping me.' Those of us who have never stood in the middle of a sheet of ice, poised to deliver a hoped-for masterclass of figure skating brilliance, be it competition or exhibition, can't possibly understand what's going on inside the heads of these talented athletes. But in the case of Naumov, we know it's not one person but three. It's Max, joined by Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova. Advertisement 'Doing it for myself is doing it for them as well,' Naumov said. 'And when I do it for them, I do it for everybody.' Naumov said it's 'hard to even put a name to what I'm feeling.' As he works things out, he'll work with young skaters. What a gift that will be to his parents. As he already is discovering, what a gift that will be to himself. 'Such a wonderful opportunity my parents left,' Naumov said. 'The 'Tomorrow's Champions' program at The Skating Club of Boston is their legacy. Working with those kids, it helps me get through difficult situations. 'I'm able to help them, and they help me.' Naumov is not giving up on competitive skating. As he put it, 'I just want to keep moving in that direction and see where it goes.' Wherever it goes, he won't go it alone.
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:
Boston Globe
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
At World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, joy mixes with grief
Ma's critique came Thursday afternoon at the The championships, which run through Sunday at the Boston arena, is an elite, international showcase for Ma's sport. It also comes at a challenging time of mourning and loss for the place where Ma has trained for five years — the Norwood-based The Skating Club of Boston — as well as the wider skating community. Advertisement In late January, the club lost six people from its community when an The six with connections to the Norwood club would have likely been in Boston for the championships this week. It's a reality not lost on those who knew them, such as Ma, a New York City native who moved to Norwood to train at the club. Advertisement 'The best thing that we could do is to keep moving forward,' he said. 'Moving on sounds bad, but the departed wouldn't want us to sit around and not do anything.' The throughline for the six who died in the crash, said Ma, was a passion for the sport. 'They would want the skating world to continue to flourish,' he said. Doug Zeghibe, the executive director for the club, which was the local organizing committee for the world championships, concurred. 'This event helps in the cycle of healing because it's something we can celebrate, it's something we can come together and share in a more positive way,' said Zeghibe on Thursday. 'It's one more stepping stone along the way.' Doug Zeghibe, executive director of The Skating Club of Boston, spoke to Danny McDonald of The Boston Globe during the men's short program in the World Figure Skating Championships at TD Garden. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff On Thursday, he was not at TD Garden, as he was watching a federal hearing regarding the crash that took the lives of his wife and son. Over the phone, he said he could forgive past mistakes that led to the crash, but would not abide by any lack of transparency regarding the federal investigation into the accident. He found some answers from federal officials regarding the crash to be shocking or unsatisfactory and some information that lawmakers had requested was not produced, he said. Being at the world championships this week evoked mixed emotions in Lane. Spencer had been chosen as an awards presenter at the competitions and even been fitted for a costume. Lane and his wife, Christine, had planned on being in the crowd to watch him hand out medals to skaters. Advertisement 'Thinking about that was hard,' he said. Still, participating in the tribute offered something akin to a salve, he said. 'It felt good to put a spotlight on some of the other people who were affected,' he said. 'It's definitely more helpful than not.' Inside TD Garden, Ma also reflected on those who were killed from his club. He knew them all. The Hans, he said were a 'Hallmark photo of what a family should be.' They were always together and Jinna worked hard at skating. When he first met her, she was still shaky with her double jumps, but within two years, she was landing triple-triple combinations. 'She loved it,' he said. 'Nothing was going to stop her from doing her from doing her best.' Spencer Lane, he said, 'had talent in spades,' and developed quickly as a skater. 'This dude was insane,' he said of Lane's ability. Han was in Wichita, Kan., just like those who died in the plane crash, but he had left on a different flight. Multiple people texted him in the aftermath of the crash asking if he was OK. He shakes his head. Left unspoken is the dark what-if: anyone could have been on that flight. 'It's hard,' he said. 'It puts a different perspective on things.' Amidst the talk of death and anguish, the crowd is buoyant. They cheer when the skaters land jumps and gasp when they spill. The flags among the spectators drive home the international flavor of the event. There are banners from Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Mexico, and Canada, and plenty of stars and stripes. Advertisement Like many of those who were killed in the plane crash, Ma's life revolves around this sport. During his season, he trains six days a week. He's well-known enough that a fan recognizes him in the bowels of the arena. He's been skating since he was a child, and he says his mind is calm only when he skates and when he cooks. He suspects that feeling of blankness is what appeals to him about what he does professionally. He knows many of the competitors here, having competed against them for years. Some he faced in recent months in far-flung locales, including What does it take to consistently land quadruples, he's asked. He laughs. 'A lot of (expletive) training,' he said. Making the difficult look easy is a central challenge to a figure skater, he said. He talks about having a 'good flow' out there on the ice. 'It's incredibly athletic, some of the things you have to do no human is designed to do that,' he said. 'There's a huge artistic aspect of it as well.' Ma said before the plane crash, he was laser-focused on qualifying for the Olympics. But the tragedy changed his outlook. He now concentrates on making the audience feel something and to make himself feel something out on the ice. 'I'm not doing it for the goal,' he said. 'I'm going to do it for the journey.' Danny McDonald can be reached at
