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The Express Gazette
Friday, October 23, 2026

Olympic Skater Maxim Naumov Recounts Emotional Challenges on 'Special Forces'

Naumov discusses the demanding physical and psychological toll of the reality competition, including confronting personal grief.

US Politics • 3 hours ago
Olympic Skater Maxim Naumov Recounts Emotional Challenges on 'Special Forces'

Olympic figure skater Maxim Naumov recently shared his experiences on the reality television series 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test,' detailing the profound emotional challenges he faced during the competition. Naumov, a participant in Season 5 of the show, described moments that were so intense they brought him close to tears.

During his appearance on the Page Six studio, Naumov discussed the intense environment of the show, which included rigorous physical demands and limited food rations that led to significant weight loss. He also highlighted the bonds he formed with fellow recruits, noting his friendship with Collin Gosselin.

A particularly difficult aspect of the show for Naumov involved mirror-room scenes. These exercises forced him to confront painful memories, including the tragic deaths of his parents. His parents passed away in January 2025 when an American Airlines flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C.

'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' airs on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.


Sources