President Tokayev Honors Olympic Champion Mikhail Shaidorov at Akorda Ceremony

A ceremony to honor the champion of the XXV Winter Olympic Games, Mikhail Shaidorov, and his coaches was held at the Akorda residence.

In his address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that this Olympics became a truly exceptional event for all of Kazakhstan.

"Thanks to the triumph of Mikhail Shaidorov, who won gold in figure skating, the sky-blue flag of Kazakhstan was raised high above the Olympic arena. First of all, I want to congratulate and sincerely thank Mikhail, as well as express gratitude to his father, coach, and everyone gathered today in Akorda. Mikhail's world recognition is the result of your hard work and dedication! 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. To become an Olympic champion means to accept a challenge and be ready to go through the most difficult distance. Only those who work tirelessly and show iron discipline achieve high results," said the Head of State.

The President emphasized that Mikhail Shaidorov's victory became a grand achievement in the annals of national sports.

"First of all, this is a historic medal that Kazakhs have been waiting for 32 years. Secondly, this is the first Olympic gold won by our figure skaters. Thirdly, the whole world could see that Kazakhstan has bright talents who worthily continue the glorious path of the famous figure skater Denis Ten. Mikhail Shaidorov's brilliant performance at the Olympics is a success of historical significance. This is a real triumph created by our compatriot on the ice of Cortina d'Ampezzo. This is the result of incredibly hard work by the Olympic champion on himself, his faith in his own strength, his love for such a very complex sport as figure skating," noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.