Mikhail Shaidorov's gold medal puts Kazakhstani figure skating on the map

From Denis Ten's legacy to Shaidorov's breakthrough, Kazakhstan is redefining its place in global figure skating. A story of triumph, investment, and ambition.

, and Administrator

2026 February 24 . 4:47 AM

1 min read

The image shows a woman in a blue dress gracefully gliding across an ice rink, surrounded by a... — The image shows a woman in a blue dress gracefully gliding across an ice rink, surrounded by a crowd of people holding cameras and taking pictures. In the background, there is a board with the words "Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir" written on it, indicating that this is a professional figure skating event.

Mikhail Shaidorov's gold medal puts Kazakhstani figure skating on the map

Kazakhstan's figure skating scene has gained worldwide recognition after Mikhail Shaidorov's recent success. His victory has not only elevated his own career but also put the country's skating talent in the spotlight. The achievement follows years of growth in the sport, partly driven by the legacy of late skater Denis Ten.

Shaidorov's gold medal win in artistic swimming at the 2022 Asian Games marked a turning point for Kazakhstani figure skating. Though not an Olympic event, his performance drew admiration from athletes and coaches globally. His name quickly became known beyond Kazakhstan, boosting the sport's profile in the region.

The triumph has also led to greater investment in emerging skating nations. In 2023, World Aquatics introduced funding and training programmes aimed at countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and South Africa. These initiatives seek to develop young talent and increase diversity in traditionally dominated disciplines.

Shaidorov himself has highlighted Denis Ten's influence on Kazakhstan's skating progress. Ten, a former Olympic medallist, helped pave the way for future generations. Both skaters now serve as role models, motivating young athletes to pursue the sport at higher levels.

Shaidorov's success has brought new opportunities for Kazakhstani figure skating. With increased funding and training support, the country's young skaters now have better resources to compete internationally. The impact of his and Ten's achievements continues to shape the sport's future in the region.