Kazakhstani gymnast Nariman Kurbanov has won a silver medal in the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. During his performance on the pommel horse, he scored 15.433 points. This is the first medal for Kazakhstan in this sport, according to the country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC).
Although Kurbanov is a two-time champion of Asia and a bronze winner in the Asian Games, the games in Paris are his first Olympics. Kurbanov has a pommel horse skill named after him in the Code of Points. He won several tournaments with this skill, which involves changing sides of the pommel horse in one move. In Paris, he once again demonstrated this exceptional skill, earning a wave of applause from spectators.
«When I stood in front of the pommel horse, I switched off my mind, relying solely on my muscle memory. I can’t explain what I did to complete that combination. It was like being in pilot mode because I have practiced this combination for years. Eventually, I entered the stage and completed the exercise from start to finish. Our country has waited for this award for so long. Even though I never dreamed about the Olympics, when I was 18, I realized that I could make it to the Games and compete for a medal. I set a goal and worked hard to achieve it,» the Olympic champion said.
Rhys McClenaghan from Ireland won the gold medal with a score of 15.533, while Stephen Nedoroscik from the U.S. took third place with 15.300 points.
According to Kazakhstan’s legislation, Kurbanov will receive $150,000 in prize money for his silver medal. Athletes who win gold and bronze will be awarded $250,000 and $75,000, respectively.
President of the NOC Gennady Golovkin commented on Kurbanov’s win.
«My congratulations to Nariman Kurbanov on winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games. For the first time in independent Kazakhstan’s history, our compatriot stood on the Olympic podium for gymnastics. I also send my congratulations to coach Khusanzhan Kurbanov. Nariman’s achievement is also your success. I am convinced that this first silver medal of the Olympics is going to be the start of many other wins of yours in the future,» Golovkin highlighted.
Before the Olympics, Kurbanov won a gold medal in the Asian Championship in Tashkent, scoring a record high of 15.666 points on the pommel horse during qualifications and 15.600 in the final. Moreover, he is also a two-time finalist of the world championship.
In late July, Yeldos Smetov and Gusman Kyrgyzbayev won gold and bronze medals in judo, alongside bronze medals won by shooters Alexandra Le and Islam Satpayev. Additionally, female boxer Nazym Kyzaibay won her quarterfinal match and now has a chance to claim a bronze medal.
