Married Russian Figure-Skating Stars Are Among Victims of Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C.

A regrettable incident occurred involving a famous pair of figure skaters on the tragic American Airlines flight that crashed into the Potomac River. This respected duo of Russian skaters was well-known for their outstanding ice skating skills and significant influence on the American figure skating community.

Yevgeniya Shishkova, aged 52, and Vadim Naumov, aged 55, were onboard the flight that sadly collided with a military helicopter en route to Ronald Reagan National Airport, resulting in a heartbreaking disaster with no survivors. The Skating Club of Boston verified that the flight was carrying athletes and coaches back from the U.S. Figure Skating national championships in Wichita, Kansas.

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former figure skating partners who moved from Russia to the United States in 1998, joyfully celebrated their partnership in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1995.

During the 1990s, Naumov and Shishkova experienced remarkable success in pairs figure skating, clinching the gold medal at the World Skating Championship in Japan in 1994 and competing in the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. Despite earning multiple medals in six World Championships, they opted for retirement from competitive skating after missing out on the 1998 Olympics.

Transitioning to coaching, the pair moved to the United States due to financial challenges in post-Soviet Union Russia. They settled in Simsbury, Connecticut, where they actively engaged at the International Skating Center of Connecticut, concentrating on coaching and professional competitions.

Facing obstacles in their coaching endeavors, Naumov raised concerns about the competitive landscape for young American skaters compared to the government-supported training system in Russia that he was familiar with.

On his official website at The Skating Club of Boston, Vadim Naumov emphasized his dedication to fostering a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for his students.

Source: Juliet Macur.

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