MILAN, Italy – Mikhail Shaidorov’s gold medal in men’s figure skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics may have already secured his place in sporting history, but it was his performance in Saturday’s exhibition gala that truly captured the world’s attention. Trading his competitive attire for a full-body panda suit, Shaidorov delivered a whimsical and unexpectedly athletic routine that left the audience, and even fellow athletes, in stitches.
Shaidorov’s homage to the 2008 animated film “Kung Fu Panda” wasn’t simply a costume change. He fully embraced the character, bowing to the audience as the opening chords of “Kung Fu Fighting” filled the arena. The 21-year-old Kazakh skater then launched into a routine that blended impressive figure skating skills with playful martial arts theatrics. He ran, spun, and even attempted jumps while encased in the panda suit, demonstrating a remarkable level of control, and athleticism.
The performance took an even more unexpected turn when Shaidorov engaged in mock duels with performers dressed as Deadpool and Sub-Zero from the Mortal Kombat video game series. Initially, he held his own, skillfully “fighting” off his opponents. However, the tables eventually turned, with Deadpool and Sub-Zero ultimately “defeating” Shaidorov, sending him tumbling to the ice.
But the performance wasn’t over. As Shaidorov lay on the ground, a familiar tune began to play: Tenacious D’s cover of Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time.” Rising to his feet, he continued his routine, culminating in a triple jump, a pirouette, a cartwheel, and a leg kick before collapsing to the ice to a resounding standing ovation. A commentator on the Peacock broadcast described the performance as “super silly, but lots and lots of fun.”
The gala wasn’t just about Shaidorov’s performance, however. The event provided an opportunity for the newly crowned Olympic champion to meet one of his idols: Jackie Chan. Shaidorov embraced Chan, a clear indication of the inspiration behind his playful routine. The moment underscored the skater’s genuine enthusiasm for the film and his desire to share that passion with the world.
Shaidorov’s exhibition gala performance stands out in a Games already filled with memorable moments. While his gold medal performance showcased his technical prowess and dedication to the sport, the panda suit routine revealed a different side of the athlete – a playful, creative, and charismatic personality. It’s a reminder that even at the highest levels of competition, there’s room for joy, humor, and a little bit of “panda-monium.”
The exhibition gala, a non-competitive event, allows skaters to express themselves freely and showcase their creativity. Shaidorov clearly took that opportunity to heart, delivering a performance that will likely be remembered long after the final medal has been awarded at the Milano Cortina Games. NBCUniversal commentator and Olympic medalist Mariah Bell noted the exhibition gala is a time for skaters to show their fun side.
The skater’s performance has already generated significant buzz online, with videos and images circulating widely on social media. The unexpected combination of high-level figure skating and pop culture references has resonated with audiences, demonstrating the power of sport to transcend boundaries and connect with people on a broader level. The performance was described by NBC Chicago as taking artistry to another level.
While other skaters have faced challenges securing rights to music for their routines – as evidenced by Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate’s recent struggle to gain approval for his “Minions” routine – Shaidorov’s performance appears to have been cleared without similar hurdles. This allowed him to fully commit to his vision and deliver a seamless and entertaining spectacle.
Shaidorov’s success at the Milano Cortina Games, both on the ice and in the exhibition gala, solidifies his position as a rising star in the world of figure skating. His ability to combine athletic excellence with a playful spirit suggests a bright future for the young Kazakh skater, and a continued willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
