02/18/2026
For the past two weeks, the world's eyes have been fixed on the 25th Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy. While the focus may be on which country brings home the most medals, the stories of triumph and heartbreak from the Games really bring into focus the humanity of the athletes competing. And like so many of us, their mental health is foundational to their performance.
Maxim Naumov, U.S. Figure Skater, has been a staunch advocate for athlete mental health before and throughout this Olympics. Just over a year ago, the New England native lost his parents—former pairs world champions—to the tragic plane crash in which the skating community lost nearly two dozen members. Despite this, he was named to his first Olympic team this year, fulfilling the lifelong dream he shared with his parents. Through it all, he remained steadfast in the importance of his mental health as he navigated his loss. Today and every day, we at Doc Wayne are deeply appreciative of the advocacy for mental health from athletes like Maxim.
Photo Credit: “Whistler Olympic Rings”, by profernity, licensed under CC BY 4.0