Denis Ten: The Figure Skater Who Put Kazakhstan on the Map | GameBreakers

📲 Subscribe to @olympics: oly.ch/Subscribe
When the limitations on a young post-Soviet nation couldn’t deter young Kazakh figure skater Denis Ten from defying the giants in his sport.
Once regarded an outlier in their sport, trailblazing Olympians who broke barriers to forge their own destinies and scale the impossibles: bit.do/GameBrea...
See every Figure Skating performance from PyeongChang here: bit.ly/2oSuSF7
_____________________________________________________
🇨🇳 #Beijing2022 replays: oly.ch/B22Replays
🇯🇵 #Tokyo2020 replays: oly.ch/T20Replays
🗞️ News from the Olympic world: oly.ch/News

[@kawaiibunnbunn]

Denis Ten. Thank you for being such an inspirational figure skater to many others. Thank you for being so amazing. Your programs and performances were phenomenal. I'll always remember you and will never forget you. Rest well. The world we live in is so cruel. Now you could rest peacefully up in the skies. Keep skating, even in the skies, and heaven. Thank you for everything you've done. RIP.❤

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

The murder of Denis Ten is tragic and appalling. Over car mirrors?! A stabbing?! What kind of world do we live in? RIP Denis Ten, you are an angel. 👼💔

[@skaterfan9405]

Rest In Peace Denis, at the age of 25 stabbed to death by mindless robbers. A hero for his country who have struggled through many strife’s and injuries to bring pride to his country and help make it a better place

[@mrkrabzzzzz]

To know that someone this great passed at such a young age is so heartbreaking 💔🙏

[@lttalisman3206]

Karena deng

[@schlagsahne394]

I'm crying my eyes out... Rest in Peace denis... We love you and you're a true hero! I can't believe he was killed in his own country where he brought back the single medal kazakhstan had won... Love from Japan

[@collinsje5]

Death at the hands of his own countrymen. Horrifying.

[@marial.rapaglia4041]

what to think about kazakistan people? are they good or bad people since that tragedy occurred? & is it in their nature to be bad going back centuries in their own history?

[@bubbletea.5005]

@@marial.rapaglia4041 I'm from Kazakhstan and live in Germany now. Every country has bad sides. Germany, The U.S, Russia, Turkey,.... every single one. We can't change it. Yes, there are bad people in Kazakhstan but that doesn't mean that the whole country is bad. ^-^

[@Melanie-jy2nw]

@@marial.rapaglia4041 that’s a very immature and black and white way to look at a country that made this man who he is.

[@nurakanatovna9438]

@@marial.rapaglia4041 Kazakhstan people are good. They always show their hospitality. Our hearts are broken. We love and appreciate him for everything he did for us. Every country has bad and good people.

[@miokuroki4097]

I can't believe he's dead.

[@Frooti.loopz23]

Mio Kuroki I don't want to believe it either

[@MaratSTI]

Mio Kuroki He was killed by a knife in his hometown by car robbers. Cry.

[@kawaiibunnbunn]

Mio Kuroki Same.

[@msbcheet6041]

I'm so so sorry to hear about this. It makes me so sad and angry inside.

[@lttalisman3206]

KawaiiBunnBunn o

[@aliciareynolds3342]

the sport will never be the same without him R.I.P. 💔

[@Mmmtruk]

I honestly didn't know who Denis was until he passed away. many figure skaters praised him for his being amazing and inspiring, and after watching this video, I totally agree with them and how amazing Denis truly is. Rest in paradise my love, Denis.

[@sallyparker8312]

I found out about him when Dimash Kudaibergen did a tribute song in his honor...so I googled him. So very sad. What a waste of a hard working young man. My heart aches for his mother.

[@ra7e]

RIP Legend of Kazakhstan! 💔

[@feliskrok55]

19/07/2018 I'm literally crying He was so great Life is not f*cking fair

[@tms2328]

RIP Denis Ten. You are so loved. Your achievements inspires me. 🇰🇿

[@Nyutamoony]

Denis, you will always be loved and you will always be remembered. Thank you for your amazing performances. Rest In Peace

[@foggyfrogy]

because of him I learned about Kazakhstan and my wish to visit his hometown. I never knew him personally but I'm so proud of what he achieved in his life. It's already two years but I still can't believe you're gone... we will always be proud of you...

[@soki1847]

I'm still crying today every time I see him in youtube....poor baby... RIP son! You will always be remembered for the amazing person that you are!

[@gb9247]

I thought... maybe after sometime it will get easier, but even after 5 years it still hurts to watch stuff about Denis... I'm a big fan and it's so difficult for me, I want to watch all those videos but it's too hard for me. He did and put so much into developing figure skating in Kazakhstan. I'm so grateful we see that his legacy lives and hopefully there always will be young generation of great skaters who will look up for him.

[@clementinexx3881]

He didn't deserve this... He didn't deserve to die. He was such an inspiration... I miss him, and love him.

[@dreameray]

I'm very sorry for the loss of this young man. May he rest in peace..

[@ummuilham3119]

I am a new fan in ice skating. I can not stop my tears dropping when I watch his story. So inspiring life story. Then I read the comment section. Oh my God, he's passed away? I am so sad to know it. Denis Ten was really a great person.

[@kseniyasorokina299]

His death literally broke me. I hope that some day his dream will come true, and Kazakhstan will have enough opportunities and resources to hold the Olympics. We love you so much, Denis. We already miss you. You was a great man. You was unique. You are an angel.

[@canthelpherself]

My heart hurts. What an absolutely devastating loss.

[@naitopakire]

Denis was an inspiration to me in its purest form. I revel in the fact that I had the chance to be a fan of such a wonderful person. He always expressed his appreciation for fans, and was always willing to share his talent and insights. In fact, he personally emailed me when I had queries about his Ice Show. I hope people will finally stop giving him unwarranted hate, especially now that he is gone. To all those who ruined his reputation without basis, I hope you're finally happy now. RIP hero! You were and will always be beautiful in our eyes. Thank you for everything. I know Kazakhstan will always be proud of you.

[@sallyparker8312]

You worked this hard your whole life and you were so very humble and inspired us all. You are a memory (a good one) in your mother's head, now hurting so bad when she thinks of you as a newborn until she said goodbye. What a tragedy that happened to you. You will always be a legacy.

[@KolkhozWoman]

Oh wow... He was amazing and brought honor to his country. RIP Denis Ten, you will be remembered.

[@doctorjames7454]

RIP, Denis. Your killing was senseless and you will be greatly missed, but your special spirit, talent and great contributions to the world of sport will live on.

[@kld9992]

after tragic news from today, i can't stop crying. i will work hard for you, Denis. you will be missed.

[@gennagee]

I come to rewatch this whenever I feel creatively flat. Just endlessly inspiring. You are a gift that keeps on giving, Denis, even years after you are gone.

[@ericaguirre5657]

The first time I heard about Denis Ten, I clicked a random video were they made Denis look so malicious specifically towards Yuzuru Hanyu. Then I looked at other videos of him and he was actually a very kind person. I’m glad I didn’t think that he was a bad person.

[@Ateezwooyoung]

Eric Aguirre no need to bring up Yuzu.

[@KoraimaLynn]

@@Ateezwooyoung pero él dice que fue así como supo de Denis, al final Yuzuru se disculpó y ambos hicieron las paces debido a aquel malentendido, sin embargo los fans tóxicos hicieron la vida imposible a Denis, y lo han seguido haciendo incluso se alegran de su muerte, dicen que es su castigo por lo de Yuzu, y eso está muy mal son gente malvada.

[@gizkaka]

Some of Y’s fans are evil. They made up fake rumors about Denis and still spread them even after he died.

[@ouon1507]

Do you think we're dying as a punishment? Denis is a legend. He went to a better life and is happy there. I know that for sure.

[@jessietheonlygirl3532]

Yuzu actually yelled at denis for being Kazakh Korean

[@jlcmsw]

At the 2009 Worlds, I was in the audience to see Denis’ freeskate at his first senior worlds. He was phenomenal! With each jump he landed the crowd got louder and louder. We all knew we were seeing someone very special as we all rose to our feet at the end of his program. It’s still so hard to believe he is gone.

[@jlcmsw]

I recently heard an interview with Frank Carroll, who coached Denis. Frank said Denis was the perfect student. If Frank asked Denis to do something, Frank said Denis would politely hold his hands out and say, “Whatever you want Mr. Carroll.” Frank said Denis was very polite and well mannered.

[@lovelymonster4156]

I remember when I watched this clip when the 2018 Olympics was televised. I didn't have much interest in Kazakhstan at the time simply because I didn't know know much about the country, but this video really held my attention. I was moved by Denis' storytelling skills and his dedication to his country. For me, he really put Kazakhstan on the map and I was happy that he was so well-celebrated in his country. I was bewildered and pretty heartbroken to hear the news of his death; at first I couldn't believe it. He was too young, too talented, and had many great plans for the future. Rest in peace Dennis; you've achieved so much in the short amount of time you were here. We miss you and I wish peace to your family and your fellow Kazakhs.

[@blackswan.7005]

After Yuzuru, he was my favourite skater he had so much potential. My heart breaks everytime I watch his videos. May you rest in peace in eternal life.

[@groggel]

Denis embodied the Olympic spirit. His dedication and hardwork made him an inspiration around the world. RIP

[@shayne2955]

The title? That was exactly what i felt when i watched Sochi 2014. I was first interested because one of my countrymen, a filipino, qualified for it. We ranked quite low and every other country on top was to be expected: Japan, US, SK, Spain. Then there was Denis, a skater from a relatively unknown country, on top with the pros. He was right, my first thought was really "oh, i didnt know Kazakhstan excelled in skating." :((( Now I'm watching this almost two years later and I just cant believe the kind of cruel world we live in.

[@woobigabi]

I'm not sure how many people know...Denis was beloved by so many fellow skaters on a really special level. Not just his talent in the sport, but the way he interacted with everyone off-the-ice, too. He was such a genuinely kind and fun person, there are so many videos of him laughing and enjoying life with his friends. It's been 5 years and honestly I still don't think I've fully accepted that he is gone.

[@Haruhislover]

I randomly found this video 3 years later and I happen to be interested in Ice skating. I am Kazakh too but raised in UK. This video has inspired me so much and Denis is my new motivation to try harder. I feel so heartbroken what happened to him. He was a beautiful hero who died tragically. May he rest in peace. ✊

[@bibitukentegi7527]

Omgg same I am Kazakh but raised in the UK. My sister is a figure skater and I have gotten into it too:)

[@belovedwoman3398]

Heaven gained an amazing skater. God bless his family. My prayers go out to them. May he rest in peace. He changed so much in his 25 years of life. We should all aspire to be like Denis Ten. Kind, driven, talented, committed and most of all beautiful from the inside out! I am crushed by this heinous crime. That he was murdered for mirrors on a car is injust. To be killed by one of his countrymen, when he brought such honor to Kazistan, is just so wrong! Blessed be to all of his family, friends, and fans!

[@aminalka14]

Stacie Wagner thats true and the circumstances of his death are devastating. Btw its Kazakhstan not Kazistan.

[@whatisthis4903]

R.I.P Denis Ten, your figure skating changed the world, and our hearts.

[@ChristelleCloud]

I just found about Denis Ten....I love that me made goals for himself ever since he was young..I hope to be like him when I'm older. Always, proud for my country and willing to work hard even when we fall down...May he rest in peace.♡

[@davidsessera1337]

Denis is a beautiful talented special young man. He stood out at 2014 Sochi Olympics. He is a first for his country of Kazakhstan. He will be beloved forever there. Stupid, ugly people killed him for car mirrors. I hope there is an afterlife and he gets to go to a beautiful place.

[@abyapril3519]

I love you Denis

[@septianzicitraasriimonita7105]

am i here the only one to watch again this video after know a bad news about him? my deep condolence for denis ten 😭

[@sorestedhebytheTumtumtree]

Imonita Sulimonova no you're not the only one. 😭 rip denis

[@silverpie7313]

Imonita Sulimonova same I’m crying my eyes out rn it actually hurts and I never knew who he was until today

[@aalegalfocus]

I did not see this video until now after hearing the bad news. It is nice to see this spotlight on Denis and hear his own words about his experiences. Such an exquisite skater who was much loved and admired. He will always be missed!

[@kimmchenry4383]

I've watched multiple times, such a great loss for nothing, so tragic.

[@tessmargauxhelen3035]

Silver Pie Read my "letter" to all Yuzuru fans up above on this site. There you can find a little information who was Denis Ten.

[@mtcreations4218]

It is wonderful to hear Denis Ten's voice as if from the other side. I watch this today knowing what happened to him. I knew of Denis Ten only thru Dimash Kudaibergen's SOS song played at one of Denis's performances.. I might get some hateful replies, but that's ok. I believe Denis Ten fulfilled his life purpose on Earth and has returned to LOVE. Also, I am sending LOVE to the persons involved (perpetrators) that led to his being returned to LOVE, as well as to their families and friends.

[@pandatours]

Such a trailblazer, definitely a talent gone too soon. RIP Denis, you are so missed

[@farizabaidaly300]

I don't know why we start to appreciate people only when they are gone.. I thank all the Denis Ten fans..and I am ashamed for being late to realize what an inspiration he was to the other... rest in peace.

[@rutherjamesdumalanta4197]

It is heartbreaking that someone with so much future ahead of him was taken away from him just because of how bad the world we live in. Rest in peace, Denis. You will always be an inspiration.

[@r2Gt06]

Denis, you will live FOREVER in our hearts. Love you to the moon and back, you perfect human being...................................

[@CarolynGretton]

My heart is broken for his family and friends. Such a beautiful skater. RIP Denis

[@ralitzabashliiska]

The great inspirational Denis Ten ! Rest in peace ice soldier, you did a great success in Sochi! We will always remember! You are the symbol of ice skating of your country, Kazakhstan ! Deep respect! DKIFC Bulgaria 🇧🇬

[@keelahrose]

Couldn't get through this without crying. It's utterly heartbreaking. I'm so glad he got to live his dreams before he died, and so sad that he wasn't given the chance to achieve even more.

[@СофияПавлова-ы8й]

Не могу поверить, что он больше не с нами... Огромная потеря! Денис, мы тебя не забудем, покойся с миром.

[@madinaaesheva2990]

Our HERO! Kazakhstan will remember you forever! Forever in OUR HEARTS!

[@johnruggles7739]

What a crazy, cruel world. A few days ago I thrilled at the news that my skating idol Takahashi had announced his return. Less than a week later one of our brightest stars is needlessly dimmed forever. Denis made his senior debut 2008-9, the year Dai missed thru' injury. Who could ever forget the tiny 15 yr old's incredibly mature LP @ 2009 Worlds. The spectators went crazy as the lad got down on his knees to kiss the ice! Never forget the pride in his face when , in traditional dress, he carried his country's flag at Vancouver, or the sheer joy & exuberance of his SP to Louis Prima's music. Whenever he appeared we wanted him to do well and felt for him when injury or illness marred his efforts. What a fighter. Viewing the vids on these pages has revealed a Denis I did not know - a brilliant, intelligent and erudite young man whose talents went far beyond the ice rink. It is not just skating that has lost him. He could have grown into a major figure, but somehow I feel his passion for his sport would have always have won the day. RIP.

[@jlcmsw]

I was there in the audience to see Denis’s free skate in 2009. It was spectacular! I was just thinking, “who is this kid? He is amazing!” His free skate and Evan’s win were my two special moments from those worlds and those two were the only ones who brought every single person to their feet. I still get emotional thinking about what promise he had and that he is gone.

[@anubistiger]

RIP. You did a lot in your 25 years. Much more than most can contribute to the world.

[@АльбинаСаввина-э5м]

I can't watch you, my Denis, without crying...😭

[@sorestedhebytheTumtumtree]

We won't be able to see him skate anymore. RIP Denis. 😭

[@guittadabe5214]

RIP. What a nice and courageous young man. What a shame. He will live on forever in the hearts of his countrymen. And the World.

[@zhadirabaikenova1379]

Ты супер ты всегда останешься в наших сердцах!!! Так больно признать что тебя нет... мы тебя любим и всегда помним😭😢😢😭

[@purintaufufa]

RIP Denis. You left a great legacy for your country as well as the sport itself

[@yardrhod]

Rest in Paradise, Denis. You're one of my favorite figure skaters. ❤

[@mylesgarcia4625]

Rest in peace, Denis. I enjoyed seeing you skate. Thanks for the memories.

[@withhighaims]

Who would have imagined that this would end up being a tribute video?? Crying my eyes out watching...

[@meldufello3093]

My condolences to his friends and family...

[@e.i.3077]

I am absolutely devastated, this truly feels like a nightmare. He was so young! Rest in peace, Denis.

[@sgtransportations7103]

denis ten May you rest in peace, you had done alot for Kazakhstan, even though I am not from Kazakhstan. Your hard work paid off, I saw the way u skate, it was wonderful. You had inspired me to achieve my goal even more! Real easy brother

[@maratkhasanov6600]

rest in peace bro, you are the best!

[@moonmine_]

Денис Тен ровно 25 жасында дүниеден өтті. Әлі күнге дейін бейнесін көрсем, жүрегіме ауыр тиеді. 13 маусым дәл менің де туған күнім. Жұлдыз едің, бірақ жалғыз едің. Енді сенің орныңды ешкім баса алмайды, мәңгі есте қалдың. Видеоны көріп біраз жылап алдым. Я люблю тебя, Денис Тен. Denis Ten died exactly at the age of 25. Even now, when I see him, my heart hurts. June 13th is my birthday, just like his. You were a star, but you were alone. Now no one can take your place, you will be remembered forever. I cried a lot when I watched the video. I love you Denis Ten.

[@u-ar-e-mylight1217]

Here to pay respect.

[@AkhtemovaEliza]

You were a talented sportsman and an amazing person! Still difficult to believe that you are not anymore here to share your talents :( You will live in our hearts and memories! Rest in Peace Denis!

[@julia0aike]

You will always be a hero. We miss you so much

[@Лладалал]

Tokyo 2021 and I remember Denis. We miss u and we always love u❤️❤️❤️ Sorry😭😭😭

[@sera2729]

Rest in peace, Denis Ten. We will never forget you and your contribution to the sport of figure skating and the history of Kazakhstan.

[@krypton_griffin]

This is incredible! He is INCREDIBLE! How could a man like him die young...

[@user-do7od3of5k]

You're a hero, Ten. I'll remember your purity, passion, and excellence

[@giecerbolles3388]

A beautiful, inspiring soul. Thank you for sharing your life to the world. May you rest in peace, Denis. ❤️

[@Crystal_Snoww]

you will be missed my love ❤ you have done well.

[@Vyncent1982]

Truly the story of a hero. You have come so far, and the whole world is still ahead of you.

[@otuzuul77]

Vyn Cent He passed away today! Sad day

[@collinsje5]

He didn't "pass away", he was murdered in his own country. Horrifying.

[@thatonehanstan2075]

RIP my baby Denis😭 1993-2018

[@vikytorious]

He makes me proud of my country and korean lineage

[@thatonefigureskater1411]

His death was a great loss. At my rink we watched this video when he died. We were all exponentially inspired! Thank you Denis. Rip

[@hernalynrebuton8404]

such an amazing spirit that you had ventured in the world of sports, you became the public sport figure and inspiration to many youngster who desire to be like you. May your soul rest in hand of our Lord. Denis Ten

[@aheve]

Until now i still cannot believe that he gone forever, this is so sad.

[@scolpi73]

When one young person dies, wherever in the world this happens, it is tragic. This young and great man could have given so much to the skate and to its country. This has hit me a lot. Ciao Denis from Italy.

[@AlejandraMartinez-kb4ch]

Too sad too loose such a great skater... 😭

[@munkieznmoar1268]

Denis was an inspiration to his country, to the world and world culture. He will be remembered for his grace, his dedication and his love for the sport. May his spirit live on in all skaters who have big dreams and are willing to follow them.

[@그래그래D]

Beautiful person.... Miss you

[@scolpi73]

I have known him thanks to a post on Facebook by Carolina Kostner two day ago to celebrate Denis's birthday. He has been a great skater and a great guy as wall R. I. P. great young man.

[@reii_nyeori]

Its 2019 and I'm still crying. I can never get over this,I still am not. He's one of my most fav skaters,and I loved his performances so much,he brought so much inspiration and driving force inside of me that his death hit me like a truck that I stood crying while looking at the screen of my phone for hours. He was taken way to early,he could've been so so much more if he was still here. You didn't deserve what happened to you Denis,we will forever remember you and you will forever be in my heart. Thank you so much for everything,I hope you are in a better place now. RIP I hope you are seeing us. I hope you are seeing how much the world loves yo,we miss you Denis...thanks once again.

[@algodesigner]

What a beautiful soul! It saddens me deeply that he is no longer with us. I could not stop crying while watching this video. Denis, you will always be missed. Please rest in peace.

[@Coldheart61595]

I can't believe it... Rest in peace

[@mvban]

unutamıyorum 💔 huzur içinde uyu Denis...

[@mariaeduardagalvao5327]

Happy Birthday Denis ❤🎉 I miss you 🖤🥺

[@Knyghtsword2346]

I just learned of him today. I had no idea he was such a great skater. Terribly sad how his life was taken by in those thugs.

[@АриФранцуа]

RIP Denis...

[@margulandairshenov5141]

The LEGEND and forever!

[@samc7312]

Such a humble and down to earth guy. RIP

[@xxwhispersxx2856]

How did I not know about this? When he disappeared I thought he had just retired. Oh my gosh my heart is broken. RIP sweet boy.

[@Nora-ox3jn]

My heart is breaking, my thoughts go out to his family. My deepest condolences.

[@michellemichelle2856]

It hurts so much that, things like this happens...😨😰 Sincere condolences at family and friends of brilliant Denis Ten...he left too early and unjust this World ... RIP Denis 🕯️

[@greenlimenay]

I miss denis

[@christianef.9427]

This makes me cry :'( such a great man and skater. R.I.P Denis Ten

[@thisismarizey]

I will miss him so much