Following his performance at the 2026 Olympics in Italy, Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov created a real sensation – he scored 291.58 points and brought home the country's first Olympic gold medal in the history of figure skating.

It can be said that this moment is already inscribed in the annals of Kazakhstani sports in gold letters.

Mikhail skated his free program to the dramatic composition "Confessa and The Diva Dance" performed by Dimash Kudaibergen, seemingly living every note on the ice. His routine was not just a performance but a true spectacle: emotional, technical, and impeccably precise.

It is worth recalling that in the short program, Shaidorov received 92.94 points from the judges and occupied only fifth place. But in the free program, he turned the tide of the competition: a record-breaking 198.64 points and the first-ever clean execution of five quadruple jumps. It was a performance on the edge of possibility, where skill, character, and immense concentration converged.

It should be noted that in the final on the ice of the main competition, outstanding athletes from countries where figure skating is an elite sport, receiving due attention from the state and patrons, crossed skates. But the triumphant performance of the Kazakhstani athlete, watched with bated breath by hundreds of thousands of his compatriots, captivated not only the judges and fans of this sport but also those far removed from figure skating.

This victory became historic also because Kazakhstan has now won two medals in men's single skating at the Winter Olympic Games. Previously, Denis Ten won bronze at the 2014 Olympics – and now his achievement has been followed up with gold.

The jubilation of our fans is given special significance by the fact that Kazakhstan's last gold medal at the Winter Games was won more than three decades ago, in 1994, when skier Vladimir Smirnov became champion.

And today, sports fans both in our country and beyond its borders genuinely rejoice for Mikhail Shaidorov.

The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, also congratulated the figure skater on winning the title of Winter Olympic champion, emphasizing that the first gold medal in the history of national sports in figure skating is a grand success of historic significance. Wishing the Olympic champion well-being and new victories, the President decided to award Mikhail Shaidorov the Order of Barys, II degree, and also expressed gratitude to the coaching staff, the Figure Skating Federation, and the leadership of the relevant ministry for their work, reported Aibek Smadiyarov, Advisor to the President – Press Secretary of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

It should be noted that this triumph is not just a medal. It is a symbol of a new era for Kazakhstani sports, proof that dreams come true when they are backed by talent, hard work, and an unyielding will to win.

Of course, behind this momentous event lie years of persistent effort, an unwavering character, and a firm belief in one's dream. With his performance, Mikhail gave us a feeling of joy and pride, showing that the Kazakhstani school of figure skating can ascend to the highest step of the world podium. And this success, it seems, will become a powerful impetus for the development of winter sports and will inspire young athletes to boldly strive for their own peaks.

Prepared by Sanzhar ABDRAIMULY

Photo by EPA