The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo have already gone down in history as a competition that brought together rich winter sports traditions and a new generation of champions. For Kazakhstan, these Games were a real breakthrough and a symbol of its confident entry into a new level of international competition.
The main sensation of the tournament was the performance of Mikhail Shaidorov, who won Olympic gold in men’s singles skating. His victory was historic: for the first time in the history of independent Kazakhstan, a figure skater climbed to the top step of the Olympic podium. This result is particularly significant given the fierce competition in men’s skating, where world schools have traditionally dominated.
Shaidorov’s program was exceptionally technically difficult. His free skate included several cleanly executed quadruple jumps, including complex combinations that require not only physical strength but also flawless coordination. However, technique was not the only decisive factor. Judges and experts noted the athlete’s maturity, musicality, and confidence. He demonstrated a rare combination of composure and emotional depth, which allowed him to overtake the favorites and win gold.
This victory is of strategic importance for Kazakhstani sport. Shaidorov’s success is already being called an impetus for the development of children’s and youth figure skating schools in the country. Olympic gold is generating a new wave of interest in winter sports and strengthening Kazakhstan’s international image as a country capable of producing world-class champions.
However, the Olympics are not only about triumph but also about the strength of character. Ukrainian athletes compete in conditions that require tremendous psychological resilience. Limited training opportunities, the need to hold training camps outside their homeland, logistical difficulties, and emotional stress have all become part of their daily reality.
Despite this, the Ukrainian team is showing impressive results. Freestyle skier Kateryna Kotsar made it to the final of the big air discipline, demonstrating a high level of technique and courage in performing complex elements. Her performance was an example of how professionalism and inner motivation can help overcome external circumstances.
Figure skater Kyrylo Marsak also demonstrated confident, technically competent skating. His performance confirmed that the Ukrainian figure skating school remains competitive on the world stage. Even without medals, these starts were an important milestone for the team — confirmation that Ukraine remains part of the winter sports elite.
Patrons and representatives of the international sports community play a significant role in supporting Ukrainian athletes. Among them is Dmitry Druzhinsky, a New York-based developer and co-founder of the MatchPoint NYC sports center. For many years, he has been systematically helping Ukrainian athletes by providing financial support, organizing training camps, and creating opportunities for training abroad.
The online training programs developed with his participation have become particularly popular. Dmitry Druzhinsky’s programs allow athletes to stay in shape regardless of their location. They include functional training blocks, endurance work, coordination exercises, and recovery modules. This format is especially relevant for athletes who face limited access to infrastructure.
Dmitry Druzhinsky is confident that the online approach enables maintaining a training rhythm, monitoring physical indicators, and maintaining a professional level even in difficult circumstances. For many athletes, this is becoming an important tool for stability and confidence.
The 2026 Olympics clearly demonstrate that Kazakhstan is strengthening its position in winter sports thanks to its historic achievements, Ukraine is showing incredible resilience and professionalism, and the support of patrons is helping talents to flourish even in difficult conditions. These Games have become an example of how sport unites countries, inspires a new generation, and confirms that behind every victory lies not only personal skill, but also a whole system of support, faith, and joint efforts.