President Tokayev Honors Olympic Champion Mikhail Shaidorov and His Coaches

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described the recent Olympic Games as an exceptional event for all of Kazakhstan. The triumph of figure skater Mikhail Shaidorov, who won a gold medal, saw the sky-blue flag of Kazakhstan raised high over the Olympic arena.

"First of all, I want to congratulate and sincerely thank Mikhail, and also express gratitude to his father, coach, and everyone gathered in Akorda today," said Tokayev. "Mikhail's global recognition is the result of your diligent work and determination! Under your guidance, he became an outstanding athlete and was able to fully reveal his talent. Today, the entire country is proud of Mikhail, and for young people he has become a true role model."

The President emphasized that becoming an Olympic champion means accepting a challenge and being prepared to overcome the most difficult path. He stated that only those who work tirelessly and demonstrate iron discipline achieve such heights.

Tokayev highlighted that Shaidorov's victory represents a grand achievement in the annals of national sports history. He outlined three key aspects: it is a historic medal that Kazakhstani citizens have awaited for 32 years; it is the first Olympic gold won by domestic figure skaters; and it demonstrates to the world that Kazakhstan possesses bright talents who worthily continue the glorious path of the famous skater Denis Ten.

The President called Shaidorov's brilliant performance at the Olympics a success of historical significance—a true triumph created by their compatriot on the ice of Cortina d'Ampezzo. He attributed this to the champion's incredibly persistent work on himself, his belief in his own strength, and his love for such a complex sport as figure skating.

Tokayev paid special tribute to Stanislav Shaidorov, Mikhail's father and first coach. He noted Stanislav Alexandrovich as a multiple champion of Kazakhstan in figure skating who helped his son take his first steps on ice both as a father and as a coach.

"As Head of State, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for such a son—a true patriot who raised high the state flag of Kazakhstan on the world's main sports arena," Tokayev addressed Stanislav Shaidorov. "You have together traveled a winding path through thorns to reach the stars."

For high sporting achievements at the XXV Winter Olympic Games, President Tokayev awarded several individuals with state honors:

• The Order "Barys" II degree was awarded to Mikhail Shaidorov.
• The Order "Dostyk" II degree was awarded to coaching consultant Alexei Urmanov.
• The Order "Kurmet" was awarded to Asem Kassanova (head coach of the national figure skating team), Stanislav Shaidorov (figure skating coach), and Bauyrzhan Yeraly (President of the Figure Skating Union of Kazakhstan).