On Feb. 25, Kazakhstani figure skater Mikhail Shaidorov, who won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and his coaching team met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Akorda, the official presidential residence.
The president praised the athlete’s achievement and described the victory as historically significant, stating that it continues the legacy of late Denis Ten, a figure skater widely recognized for putting Kazakhstan on the global stage and popularizing the sport in the country.
«This is a historic award that the Kazakhstani people have been waiting for 32 years. The whole world has seen that Kazakhstan has outstanding talents who are continuing the glorious path of the famous figure skater Denis Ten,» the Akorda press service quoted Tokayev as saying.
The president also praised the athlete’s father and first coach, Stanislav Shaidorov. Tokayev said he appreciated his belief in his son.
The head of state also acknowledged the contribution of coach Alexei Urmanov and the National Olympic Committee headed by Gennadiy Golovkin.
Furthermore, Tokayev honored Mikhail Shaidorov with the Order of Barys (Leopard) of the second class and coach Alexei Urmanov with the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the second class. Stanislav Shaidorov, head coach of the national figure skating team Assem Kassanova and president of the Kazakhstan Figure Skating Union Baurzhan Yeraly were each awarded the Order of Kurmet (Honor).
The president also highlighted that the names of all Olympic champions remain forever in the annals of world sport and are preserved in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
In turn, Mikhail Shaidorov expressed gratitude to the president and all Kazakhstanis for their support. He emphasized that the victory was not only his personal achievement but also the success of his parents, coaches, and the country that believed in him. The athlete said this proves that dreams come true when they are supported by hard work, dedication, love and the faith of loved ones.
On Feb. 14, Shaidorov captured the gold medal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Before his achievement, Kazakhstan’s highest result had been the bronze medal won by Denis Ten at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Shaidorov’s Winter Olympic gold is also the first for Kazakhstan since 1994, when Vladimir Smirnov won the cross-country skiing event.
