The International Skating Union (ISU) and the entire skating community are heartbroken by the tragic loss of figure skaters, their coaches, and family members who were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, that crashed on January 29, 2025 in Washington DC. Among those on board were 1994 ISU World Pair Skating Champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.

Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg, Russia) - Evgenia Shishkova on December 18, 1972, and Vadim Naumov on April 7, 1969 - the pair took up Figure Skating in their hometown and teamed up in 1985. Under the guidance of renowned coaches Liudmila and Nikolai Velikov, they rose to international prominence, earning a reputation for their classical style, impeccable technique, and artistic expression.

Their breakthrough came in 1991, when they won bronze at their debut ISU European Figure Skating Championships. Over the following years, they collected three more European bronze medals and one silver, solidifying their status among the sport’s elite.

World Champions and Olympians

The pinnacle of their career came in 1994, when they claimed the ISU World Figure Skating Championship title. They also secured a complete set of World medals, winning bronze in 1993, silver in 1995, and gold in 1994. Their signature program was their gold-medal winning routine to “Die Fledermaus” (The Bat).

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov of Russia perform their Pair Free Skating routine during the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in 1995 © Chris Cole/Allsport

 Shishkova and Naumov represented their country at the 1992 and 1994 Olympic Winter Games, finishing just off the podium in 5th and 4th place, respectively. They further cemented their legacy by winning gold at the 1995/96 ISU Grand Prix Final.

A Life in Skating

Beyond their competitive success, Shishkova and Naumov were a perfect pair both on and off the ice. Married in 1995, they retired from competition in 1998, emigrating to the United States, where they enjoyed a successful career as professional skaters before transitioning into coaching.

The couple settled in Boston, MA, where they became highly respected coaches at the Skating Club of Boston, mentoring a new generation of skaters. Among their students was their son, Maxim Naumov, who placed fourth at the recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships and competed at the 2020 ISU World Junior Championships as well as the 2023 and 2024 ISU Four Continents Championships.

A Passion for Coaching

Shishkova and Naumov were dedicated coaches, and shared their love and passion for the sport of Figure Skating. Mr. Naumov once said in a statement for the website of the Skating Club of Boston: "I love to create an environment where students have fun while working hard. I also believe that helping and guiding athletes through their emotional challenges, ups and downs during training and competing, is a coach’s responsibility."

Mrs. Shishkova echoed this sentiment, saying: "I like to share my passion and love for figure skating with my students. I want all of them to have a positive experience in their skating endeavors."

The couple had traveled to Wichita, Kansas to attend a high-performance camp following the U.S. Championships, continuing their lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov of Russia perform their Pairs Free Skating at Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games. ©Chris Cole/ALLSPORT

Remembering Their Legacy

The ISU pays tribute to Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov’s extraordinary contributions to the sport. Their legacy as champions, mentors, and devoted members of the skating family will be cherished forever.

Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.