25-year-old Olympic medalist stabbed to death
The first man from Kazakhstan to win an Olympic medal in figure skating has been killed at the age of 25.
Dennis Ten, who won bronze at the 2014 Olympics, was stabbed to death Tuesday during an apparent attempted robbery.
International news agency Kazinform reports that two men were allegedly trying to steal the mirrors from Ten’s car, then stabbed the figure skater.
Ministry of Healthcare spokesman Yernar Amikulov said simply, “Unfortunately, he is not with us anymore.”
Kazinform reports that Ten was stabbed in the thigh, and lost three liters of blood.
Paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital, and Ten fought for his life for nearly three hours before succumbing.
As word began to spread around the globe, U.S. Olympian Adam Rippon tweeted out his sorrow.
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
I’m so very sad to hear that one of skatings current greats has lost his life in a mindless knife attack in an attempt to steal his car mirrors in Kazakhstan. RIP Dennis Ten. Your glorious performances of natural and fluid skating will ensure your legacy lives on in our sport.
— Robin Cousins 💙 (@TheRobinCousins) July 19, 2018
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
Ten was an inspiration to his country as well. Kazakh Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly wrote in a Facebook post, “This is an unthinkable tragedy and irreparable loss.”
“Denis Ten was a great athlete and a great ambassador for his sport. A warm personality and a charming man. Such a tragedy to lose him at such a young age.” -IOC President Thomas Bach pic.twitter.com/YIZhBHy6Fi
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 19, 2018
Kazakhstan Olympic Committee president Timur Kulibayev issued a statement echoing that of his counterpart.
“Today is truly a dark day for all of us who knew and loved this young figure skater and were inspired by his talent and creativity,” Kulibayeve said. “Throughout his sporting career, Denis set an example with his motivation, strength of spirit and his champion’s personality.”
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach issued a statement saying, “Denis Ten was a great athlete and a great ambassador for his sport. A warm personality and a charming man. Such a tragedy to lose him at such a young age.”
Ten earned a silver medal at the World Figure Skating Championships in 2013, and a bronze two years later.
While he took home bronze in the Sochi Games in 2014, he struggled with injuries this year, and finished 27th at the Olympics in South Korea.
The Ministers of Internal Affairs and Healthcare, Kalmukhanbet Kassymov and Yelzhan Birtanov, promise the attack will be thoroughly investigated.
According to the Associated Press, Ten hadn’t officially announced his retirement from the sport, but had spoken about studying economics and developing a screenplay.
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