Denis Ten, the 2014 Olympic figure skating bronze medalist from Kazakhstan, died after he reportedly was stabbed in Almaty on Thursday.
The International Skating Union and the Kazah Olympic Committee confirmed Ten’s death.
Ten, 25, competed in three Olympics and earned world championships silver and bronze medals in 2013 and 2015.
At 16, Ten was the youngest men’s competitor at Vancouver 2010 and finished 11th in his Olympic debut; he was also only the second singles skater Kazakhstan had ever sent to the Olympics.
Ten made unexpected history in 2013, becoming the first skater from Kazakhstan to win a world championships medal. After experiencing health setbacks at the start of his 2014 Olympic season, he was the biggest question mark among the top men in Sochi, but he surprised by becoming the first skater from Kazakhstan to earn an Olympic medal.
Ten struggled through health issues leading into his last Olympics in PyeongChang, where he placed 27th. Those Winter Games were nonetheless special to Ten, who was of South Korean descent; his great-grandfather was a famous general who fought for Korean independence, and there is a statue and memorial dedicated to him in Wonju, a town 35 miles southwest of PyeongChang.
Ten also played a significant role as an ambassador for his hometown Almaty’s bid for the 2022 Winter Games. Beijing got the Games over Almaty in an IOC members vote in 2015.
NBC Olympic Research contributed to this report.
I feel so honored and grateful to have shared the ice with @Tenis_Den. One of the most beautiful skaters to have graced our sport. My thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable time. I feel so lucky to have made memories with Denis that I will cherish forever...
— Patrick Chan (@Pchiddy) July 19, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlaixP6AslD/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=1chwla9mirmuo
My skating friend, @Tenis_Den, passed away today. He was so kind to everyone and a huge inspiration to me and so many other people. Murdered in the streets of Kazakhstan. Denis, thank you for showing us how to be a champion. Your time with us was way too short. Love you forever.
— Adam Rippon (@AdamRippon) July 19, 2018
Rest in peace 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/a01vndbCWE
— Javier Fernandez (@javierfernandez) July 19, 2018
Thank you for always being so very much yourself, Denis. You were loved and appreciated by so many.
— Charlie White (@CharlieaWhite) July 19, 2018
My heart is with your family, and to everyone that felt the kindness and inspiration Denis brought into the world. https://t.co/EGrhtoN52S
The news of @Tenis_Den ‘s murder hits especially hard for me since I used to train with him. His commitment to his training was something I always admired. It’s hard to believe he is no longer with us and that he’ll no longer be able to share his talents with us.
— Mirai Nagasu (@mirai_nagasu) July 19, 2018
Denis never ceased 2 amaze me. His hard work/artistic/brilliance/kindness/passion 4 skating/🇰🇿 were unmatched.
— Jason Brown (@jasonbskates) July 19, 2018
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Heartbroken by the news💔 Sending thoughts & 🙏 2 his family. The ⛸ community lost some1 very special. It will never b the same. 😢 Miss & love u 4ever @Tenis_Den pic.twitter.com/cYNiY6ltmG