Vadim Naumov Bio: Father of Maxim Naumov – Life, Skating Career, Family, and Tragic Passing
Vadim Naumov was a celebrated Russian pair skater and coach, best known for winning the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships with his wife and longtime partner Evgenia Shishkova. The duo represented Russia (and the Unified Team) at two Winter Olympics and achieved multiple podium finishes on the international stage before transitioning to a successful coaching career in the United States. Tragically, Naumov passed away on January 29, 2025, in a mid-air collision involving American Eagle Flight 5342 over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., an event that claimed dozens of lives, including many from the figure skating community. His legacy endures through his son maxim naumov, who made his Olympic debut for Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, honoring his parents’ dream.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Vadim Vladimirovich Naumov (Вадим Владимирович Наумов) |
| Nick Name | None widely reported |
| Profession | Former Pair Skater, Coach |
| Birth Date | April 7, 1969 |
| Age at Passing | 55 (at death in 2025) |
| Birth Place | Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Nationality | Russian (later U.S. resident) |
| Known For | 1994 World Champion in Pair Skating (with Evgenia Shishkova), 1992 & 1994 Olympian, Coach at Skating Club of Boston |
| Ethnicity | Russian |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Height & Weight | 5’9″ (175 cm) & approx. 160–170 lbs (during career) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (in later years graying) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Degree in Physical Education and Figure Skating Instruction, State University of Physical Education named after P.F. Lesgaft, St. Petersburg |
| Religion | Not publicly specified |
| Marital Status / Spouses | Married to Evgenia Shishkova (m. 1995–2025) |
| Relationships | No notable prior relationships reported |
| Children | 1 son: Maxim Naumov (born 2001) |
| Family | Wife: Evgenia Shishkova (deceased 2025); Son: Maxim Naumov (U.S. figure skater) |
| Hobbies | Coaching, mentoring young skaters |
| Years Active | 1985–1998 (competitive skating); 1998–2025 (coaching) |
| Net Worth (Estimated at Passing) | $1–3 million (from coaching, past professional skating, property) |
| Residence (at Passing) | Norwood, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Early Life & Education
Vadim Naumov was born on April 7, 1969, in Leningrad (present-day St. Petersburg), Russia, during the Soviet era. He began figure skating as a child and showed early promise in the sport. In 1985, his coach introduced him to Evgenia Shishkova, leading to their long-term partnership both on and off the ice.
Naumov pursued formal education in sports, earning a degree in Physical Education with a specialization in figure skating instruction from the State University of Physical Education named after P.F. Lesgaft in St. Petersburg. This background later supported his transition to coaching.
Career Journey
Vadim Naumov’s career spanned elite competition and influential coaching, marked by world-class achievements in pair skating.
Competitive Career with Evgenia Shishkova
Naumov and Shishkova teamed up in 1985 and quickly rose through the ranks. They debuted internationally in the early 1990s, earning bronze at the 1991 European Championships. Key milestones included:
- 5th at the 1992 Winter Olympics (Albertville)
- Bronze at the 1993 World Championships
- Gold at the 1994 World Championships (Chiba, Japan)
- Silver at the 1995 World Championships
- Champions Series Final winners (1995–96)
They competed at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics (4th place) and retired from amateur competition in 1998 after turning professional.
Professional and Coaching Career
After moving to the United States in 1998, they skated professionally, winning the World Professional Championships that year. They transitioned to coaching, joining the Skating Club of Boston in 2017. Naumov specialized in single and pair skating across all levels, mentoring champions including:
- Their son Maxim Naumov (2020 U.S. Junior National Champion)
- Kathryn Orscher & Garrett Lucash (2005 U.S. Senior Pairs Champions)
- Other national and international medalists
His 22+ years of coaching emphasized technical skill and artistry.
Career Stats & Achievements
- Olympic Appearances: 2 (1992, 1994)
- World Championships: Gold (1994), Silver (1995), Bronze (1993)
- European Championships: Multiple bronzes and silver (1991–1995)
- Other: 1995–96 Champions Series Final Gold
- Coaching Highlights: Trained U.S. national champions and international competitors
Personal Life
Vadim Naumov married his skating partner Evgenia Shishkova in 1995. They built a life together in skating, immigrating to the U.S. in 1998. Their son Maxim Naumov, born in 2001, followed in their footsteps as a competitive figure skater for Team USA.
The family resided in Norwood, Massachusetts, where they coached and raised Maxim. Naumov was known for his dedication to family and mentoring young athletes.
Family, Wife, and Children
- Wife: Evgenia Shishkova (deceased 2025; fellow skater and coach)
- Son: Maxim Naumov (born 2001; U.S. Olympic figure skater who debuted at 2026 Milano Cortina Games)
- No other children reported
Relationships / Dating History / Affairs
Naumov and Shishkova were lifelong partners from their skating days onward. No public records of other relationships or affairs exist.
Controversies
No major controversies or scandals were associated with Vadim Naumov during his lifetime. His legacy is remembered positively in the figure skating world.
Awards & Achievements
- 1994 World Figure Skating Champion (Pairs)
- 1995 World Figure Skating Championships Silver Medalist
- 1992 & 1994 Winter Olympian
- 1995–96 Champions Series Final Champion
- Multiple European Championships medals
- World Professional Champion (1998)
- Influential coach of U.S. national and junior champions
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 160–170 lbs (career estimate)
- Build: Athletic, suited for lifts in pair skating
- Hair Color: Dark Brown (graying later)
- Eye Color: Brown
Quotes
- (From coaching context, via associates): Emphasis on passion and artistry in skating.
- Legacy reflected in son’s words: “I’ve been inspired by them since day 1.”
Favorites
Details are limited, but Naumov favored technical pair elements, mentoring youth, and family time on the ice.
Salary & Net Worth
As a top coach at a prominent U.S. club, Naumov earned through salaries, private lessons, and past professional earnings. Estimates at his passing placed his net worth at $1–3 million, including property (e.g., a Norwood home valued around $650,000 in 2025). No exact public figures exist, but comparable elite coaches in figure skating fall in this range.
Interesting Facts
- Partnered with Evgenia Shishkova in 1985 on coach recommendation.
- Immigrated to U.S. in 1998 after professional turn.
- Coached his son Maxim to national titles.
- Died in tragic 2025 plane crash alongside wife and skating community members.
- Son Maxim honored them by making the 2026 U.S. Olympic team one year later.
Did You Know Already?
Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova’s son Maxim carried a family photo to the kiss-and-cry area during competitions, including at the 2026 Olympics, fulfilling the Olympic dream they shared.
Social Media Links
- Legacy Instagram: @team.genia.vadim (managed for their coaching legacy)
- Son’s accounts and Skating Club of Boston profiles often reference them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Vadim Naumov known for?
He was a 1994 World Champion in pair skating with Evgenia Shishkova and a respected U.S.-based coach.
How did Vadim Naumov pass away?
He and his wife died on January 29, 2025, in the American Eagle Flight 5342 mid-air collision over the Potomac River.
Who was Vadim Naumov’s wife?
Evgenia Shishkova, his longtime skating partner and fellow Olympian; they married in 1995.
Did Vadim Naumov have children?
Yes, one son: Maxim Naumov, who competed for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
What were Vadim Naumov’s biggest achievements?
1994 World gold, multiple World and European medals, two Olympic appearances, and coaching national champions.
Where did Vadim Naumov coach?
Primarily at the Skating Club of Boston (from 2017) and earlier at the International Skating Center of Connecticut.
Conclusion
Vadim Naumov’s life celebrated excellence in figure skating, from world championship glory to nurturing the next generation—including his son Maxim, who carried the family legacy to the 2026 Olympics. His contributions to the sport and tragic passing in 2025 left a profound impact on the skating community. If this tribute to his remarkable journey resonated with you, share it to honor his memory and inspire others.
