Overview
- Naumov received a standing ovation after his short program in St. Louis and wiped away tears in the kiss-and-cry.
- His 85.72 points led through the first two groups, keeping him firmly in contention entering the free skate.
- He kissed a faded photo taken when he first stepped onto the ice, saying his family's mantra remains, "We have to fight."
- His parents, former world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were among 67 people killed in a January 2025 crash involving a military helicopter.
- He has helped lead his parents' youth academy at the Skating Club of Boston and performed at a benefit that raised more than $1.2 million, as fellow skaters at nationals offered their own tributes.