I’ve tried to stay a kid: Mikhail Shairodov recounts how letting his inner child loose helped him win Olympic figure skating gold
Less than a week after securing the men’s singles title at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Mikhail Shaidorov celebrated joyfully by dressing as a panda and leaping with delight upon spotting Jackie Chan by the rink boards. This infectious ability to embrace a child-like joy isn’t just entertaining; it’s one of the secrets behind Shaidorov’s remarkable success.
The 21-year-old from Kazakhstan proves that Olympic gold medals aren’t solely for superstars. He relatably messes up his hair, flashes a wide, intricately braced smile, and unwinds with Lego blocks before a competition. His celebration after winning gold? A cozy night with his medal atop his pillow.
“For many years, I’ve tried to stay a kid,” Shaidorov told Olympics.com. He aims to retain that youthful creativity, wanting to explore new territory in his sport. “Children dream, visualize, and discover new talents. This will continue to be my motto,” he declared.
Having snagged Kazakhstan’s first Olympic gold in figure skating, Shaidorov redefined national pride. His medal symbolizes hard work and advancement, shining brighter than expectations placed on him after last season’s success.
Shaidorov’s potent Olympic program featured the music of Dimash Qudaibergen alongside themes from The Fifth Element. He delicately juxtaposes the characteristics of a warrior with innocence, drawing parallels with the film’s protagonist, who balances strength and childlike naïveté.
Outside competition, Shaidorov’s world is colored by memories of Denis Ten, Kazakhstan’s figure skating legend. Ten’s pioneering spirit, before his tragic demise, showcased that Olympic success was possible for Kazakhstan. Shaidorov aspires to nurture budding talents in harsh terrains of competition that his hero once navigated.
“There is certainly a part of him in this gold medal,” Shaidorov mused, recognizing Ten as a beacon for young athletes. As he ascends to glory, Shaidorov hopes his journey will inspire the next generation, reinforcing that boundaries are merely set by one’s imagination.
In a sport characterized by discipline and precision, embracing a sense of wonder could very well be what leads a new generation toward greatness.
