In Washington, a heartfelt and emotional figure skating event took place that paid tribute to the victims of a tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Skaters Maxim Naumov, Amber Glenn, and young Isabella Aparicio were among those who performed to honor those lost, bringing spectators to tears.
“There was not a dry eye to be found anywhere,” noted pairs skater Madison Chock as the auditorium was illuminated by cellphones during a moving moment of silence. The event, titled Legacy on Ice, was organized to raise funds for victims’ families and remember the 67 individuals who lost their lives when an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight on January 29. Notably, 28 of those victims were part of the figure skating community, including some who lived and trained in Washington.
“Everyone grieves differently,” commented Evan Bates, who, with Chock, captured Olympic gold in 2022. “This show is a way to give people a glimmer of hope for moving forward.” The occasion, emceed by figure skating legends Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano, featured performances from stars like Johnny Weir and men’s world champion Ilia Malinin. The skaters delivered poignant performances, each contributing to a touching tribute to the victims.
Ted Leonsis, head of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which organized the event with U.S. Figure Skating, expressed hope that the show would aid in the healing process, akin to how sports events unified New York post-9/11. The rink was adorned with 67 stars, representing each of the victims, with skaters placing flowers on a candle-lit table by the ice before their performances.
“We’re all here to support each other,” said 2014 Olympic bronze medalist Jason Brown as he skated to “The Impossible Dream.” “Travel is integral to our sport, and for us, the loss hit hard.” Glenn set the event in motion with her performance to Andra Day’s “Rise Up,” followed by a deeply moving tribute from Weir to those associated with the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club who perished in the crash.
“For me, it was very traumatic, and I wanted to do something memorable for the families and community,” stated Malinin. Meanwhile, 1968 Olympic champion Peggy Fleming hoped the event would provide strength to skaters, and Alysa Liu performed to “Hero” by Mariah Carey to honor those lost.
Four decades after his Olympic victory, Scott Hamilton took to the ice to lead a prayer. The show included an ensemble skate to “Imagine” and concluded with Malinin’s astonishing routine. The finale was to Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand.”
The sellout crowd of over 15,000 included many first responders and their families, some of whom traveled from Baltimore to participate in the response efforts. “This was immensely challenging for the first responders,” noted Amy Mauro from the DC Fire and EMS Foundation. The gathering was intended not just for solace but also to fundraise for victims’ families.
Monica Dixon from Monumental highlighted that the funds raised would address needs from college tuition to therapy. The live event was broadcast on Monumental Sports Network and streamed via Peacock, with NBC set to air an encore.
“We hope to gather significant donations,” Leonsis remarked. “This event has shown us that by coming together, we can do right for those affected.”
