January 29

Ulrike Maier was born in 1967 in Vorarlberg, Austria, and made her World Cup debut at age 17. She captured her first major title by winning gold in the downhill at the 1989 World Championships. Maier defended her crown with another downhill world title in 1991, establishing herself among the sport's elite. Renowned for her smooth technique and daring style, she secured multiple World Cup victories across speed disciplines. Maier represented Austria at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, finishing just off the podium. Her career was tragically cut short when she suffered a fatal crash during a World Cup downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 1994. Despite her untimely death, Maier's competitive spirit and elegance on the slopes continue to inspire ski racers around the world.

Hélio Gracie was born in 1913 and helped develop Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art focused on leverage and technique. He adapted traditional judo techniques to emphasize ground fighting for smaller practitioners. Gracie taught generations of martial artists and established the Gracie family academy. He became a symbol of Brazilian martial arts through his legendary no-holds-barred challenge matches. His innovations influenced modern mixed martial arts and the global popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Hélio Gracie's legacy lives on through countless practitioners and the international Gracie network.

On January 29, 2025, Russian pair skaters Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were among the victims when a small aircraft and a helicopter collided over the Potomac River. Naumov, a former world champion, and his longtime skating partner and wife Shishkova were aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident. Both were celebrated figures in the figure skating community, known for their technical skill and artistry on ice. Their unexpected passing shocked sports fans worldwide and led to calls for improved aviation safety measures. The tragedy prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow athletes and dignitaries.

Vadim Naumov was a Russian pair skater who rose to prominence in the 1990s alongside his partner, Evgenia Shishkova. Together, they captured the World Championship title in 1996 and the European Championship the same year. Naumov was admired for his powerful lifts and precise throws, contributing to their reputation as one of the era's top pairs. After retiring from competition, he remained involved in the sport through coaching and exhibitions. His sudden death in a 2025 mid-air collision brought an end to a celebrated career in figure skating.

Evgenia Shishkova was a Russian pair skater best known for her partnership with Vadim Naumov, highlighted by their 1996 World Championship victory. After retiring from competition, she transitioned to coaching and mentored the next generation of Russian skaters. Shishkova's artistry and technical proficiency on ice earned her acclaim during her competitive years. She later served as a figure skating judge and adjudicator at international events. Shishkova and Naumov's tragic deaths in a 2025 mid-air collision marked the end of an era in pair skating.