Mikhail Shaidorov takes Kazakh figure skating into flight 10 years after late hero Denis Ten
Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov has enjoyed an extraordinary 2024-25 season, capturing attention with multiple medals and historic jumps. Trained at the same rink where Olympic medallist Denis Ten once glided, Shaidorov hopes to embody a new narrative for Kazakh figure skating a decade after Ten’s career elevated the country’s status in the sport.
At the 2025 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in February, the 20-year-old celebrated his first major victory on a podium that echoed with history. Ten, the inspiring figure for many Kazakhs, previously attained the same accolade, establishing his legacy in this very arena. Having tragically lost his life in 2018 during a robbery, Ten’s spirit continues to motivate Kazakh athletes, especially Shaidorov, who is keen to honor his hero’s legacy.
“The most important thing I can do for my country,” Shaidorov stated, “is to make figure skating more popular. My victories inspire children to embrace this sport, proving success is possible regardless of your country’s stature in the skate world.”
Shaidorov’s passion for figure skating ignited at age six. Inspired by icons such as Yuzuru Hanyu, he idolized Ten, participating in masterclasses led by him. Ten’s Olympic journey and achievements, especially his triumphs at the 2010 and 2014 Games, laid a vital foundation for Kazakh athletes aiming for international success.
Relishing memorable moments, Shaidorov’s silver medal at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships stands out as a testament to his hard work. He also etched his name in history by becoming the first skater to perform the challenging triple Axel-quad toe combination in a major competition.
As he prepares for the upcoming Olympics, Shaidorov seeks not only to dash on the ice but to evoke emotions—“tears of happiness,” he emphasized. His tireless dedication aims to spread joy while pushing the limits of Kazakh figure skating.
With a combined passion for jumps and artistry in his programs, including distinctive pieces ranging from the Dune soundtrack to classics like Moonlight Sonata, Shaidorov remains committed to growth, fulfilling not just his dreams but embracing a profound role in Kazakh sports history.
