Always Champions

Jinna

A friend to many and friendly to all, Jinna was well-known as a joyous and fun personality. The 13-year-old had friends wherever she went. She relished her time training, but also took the time to enjoy getting her nails done with friends, listening to music and learning viral dances. As a skater, Jinna had a presence that cannot be taught – a lightness in her skates and a connection to her audience. Her performances were the highlight of several Club shows, including the last two presentations of the Club’s annual show, Ice Chips. Her level of presentation and tenacity as a competitor foretold a strong future. Her fourth-place finish in Novice Women at the November 2024’s Eastern Sectionals on her home ice earned her a coveted invitation to U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Team. This was the ultimate achievement for a skater of Jinna’s age and level. Jinna is survived by her father, Joon Young Han, her grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jinna also leaves an amazing cadre of friends and well-wishers of every age who also loved and believed in her.

Blank

Jin

A devoted mother and wife, Jin always supported Jinna’s burgeoning skating career.  She was unfailingly present to support her daughter Jinna, whether it be during practice or at one of the many events in which Jinna competed.  But to Jin’s credit, always letting Jinna enjoy the sport on her own terms.   Her support carried beyond Jinna, however. If there was a volunteer shift to be filled at the Club, Jin was there – eager and more than willing to help. It did not matter what the job was – one where she could enjoy watching skating or one where she had to stand in a hallway for hours – Jin was there, committed and selfless in offering her time.  And always there to greet you with a genuine, warm smile and a kind word.   Family members said that Jin brought “comfort and serenity” to all with whom she came in contact. We would add “joy” as well, for you rarely left an encounter with Jin without a smile on your face. 

In addition to sharing her time with the Club, Jin taught Sunday School at the Korean Presbyterian Church in Greater Boston. Jin is survived by her husband, Joon Young Han, and her parents, as well as her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Spencer

Just 16, Spencer was a one-of-a-kind kid in almost every way – intelligent, cerebral, communicative, daring, and enjoying sports like parkour, indoor rock climbing and aerial silk acrobatics.  Spencer questioned almost everything in the most thoughtful and inquisitive manner possible.  Regardless of his teenage years, he had the confidence of a young man and was not afraid to declare his own path.    But it was figure skating that fed his passion the most. Spencer was nothing short of a phenom on the ice.  He began skating on his own at an outdoor rink in Providence, R.I.  Soon after, inspired by a performance on that rink by local skaters, he enrolled in a learn-to-skate program. Shortly after, he began private lessons, and soon enough, he was traveling daily between his home in Barrington, R.I. and Norwood, MA to train with Team USA coaches, Vadim Naumov and Genia Shishkova at The Skating Club of Boston.  Not only had he found a sport that he loved, but he found one in which he was also remarkably good.  Beyond that, Spencer found a community in which he truly felt a part.  Spencer shared his talent with his family and friends, but also with many on social media who were astounded by his meteoric rise in the sport and his irresistible personality. His win in Intermediate Men at November’s Eastern Sectionals earned him a spot on U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Team.  This achievement was one of Spencer’s early goals and dreams.  Spencer is survived by his father, Doug Lane, his brother, Milo Lane, and grandparents, Paul and Constance Lane, and Wayne and Karen Conrad.

Christine

Creative and curious, Christine brought her talents and interests into all facets of her life. A graphic designer, her work was seen in national advertisements for several years, including companies such as Dunkin’ Donuts and John Hancock.  More recently, Christine brought her talents and enthusiasm into real estate, quickly becoming a trusted colleague to many. Outside of her work, she also shared her creativity and care into volunteerism with animal organizations, knitting, photography, quilting and more. Importantly, Christine was a devoted mother, helping her sons Spencer and Milo find their own passions and helping them pursue them to their hearts’ content. With Spencer, Christine (and her husband, Doug too) was supportive of his passion for skating, exhibiting an openness and willingness to support him in what must have seemed like a strange new sport.  Yet, she was always clear that this was Spencer’s passion and Spencer’s sport.  She and Doug were there to support and offer guidance on his journey.  Christine was an incredible mom, but also an incredible presence in her own right.  Always calm, always kind and supportive to all who knew her.  Christine is survived by her husband, Doug Lane, her son, Milo Lane, and parents, Wayne and Karen Conrad, and in-laws, Paul and Constance Lane.

Vadim

A strong presence on the ice, Vadim was the ideal pairs skating partner. The Saint Petersburg native and Norwood resident was consistent and steady, allowing his partners to shine. His longest partner was Evgenia Shishkova, who he partnered with in 1985 and eventually married. Vadim and Evgenia performed some of the most technically difficult programs of their era, with several triple jumps and lifts with difficult features. Vadim also knew how to enjoy himself on the ice, with the perfect example being his opening pose during the pair’s famous Die Fledermaus program, which won them the 1994 World Championship. His smile as the music began invited the audience to join him in an enjoyable free skate. Vadim entered the coaching ranks, first working with pairs teams and then singles skaters, including his son, Maxim. He strove to be a supportive coach while also ensuring his skaters had sound technical skills, traits that will live on in his students in the Club’s Tomorrow’s Champions program, which he founded with Evgenia.
Blank
Blank

Evgenia

Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, and residing in Norwood with her family, Evgenia was a fearless pairs skater, pairing with Vadim Naumov in 1985. Over the next 13 years, the pair became one of the best pairs in the world, winning a complete set of World medals (bronze in 1993, gold in 1994 and silver in 1995.) Evgenia never appeared nervous when performing a throw jump or one of the pair’s multi-layered lifts. As soon as she was in a lift, she gave the audience a knowing look, demonstrating her mastery. After her competitive career was over, she became a trusted coach. The attention to detail shown in her own performances carried to her own skaters, who were known for their presentation. Alongside her husband Vadim, she founded and led the Tomorrow’s Champions program at The Skating Club of Boston, providing accelerated fundamental training for young skaters. Despite Evgenia fearlessness when she took the ice herself, she found herself nervous when her son Maxim Naumov, who she helped coach, competed. Despite that, her pride in his achievements was evident and her lightness and flow lives on through him.