‘He was unique’: Russian star Sotnikova pays tribute to Ten after Kazakh skater killed
Tributes have poured in for Kazakh figure skater Denis Ten after the news he had been stabbed to death in Almaty. Among those to offer their condolences was Russian Sochi 2014 gold medalist Adelina Sotnikova.
Ten died of stab wounds on Thursday after reportedly being involved in a confrontation with two men who had been attempting to steal the mirrors from his car.
READ MORE: Olympic figure skater Ten dies after knife attack in Kazakhstan
The 25-year-old skater, who won the bronze medal at the Sochi Winter Games in 2014, died in Almaty’s Central Clinical Hospital after doctors were unable to resuscitate him.
Sotnikova, who claimed gold in the ladies’ singles even in Sochi, paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to a skater she had known personally.
“I’m speechless after this news… I have no words… I skated with this person! I know a lot about him! He was such a workaholic, he studied everything. All sportsmen who love sport must learn from him… he was unique!”
Ten was the first figure-skater from Kazakhstan to win an Olympic medal. Tributes also poured in from elsewhere in the world of skating, including from two-time US Olympian Jonny Weir and Canadian double Olympic champion Scott Moir.
Completely devastated by the passing of Denis Ten. He was as bright and kind as he was talented. This is such an incredible loss and tragedy. My heart is with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/pXGB2OdvYg
— Johnny Weir (@JohnnyGWeir) July 19, 2018
So sad to hear of Denis Ten's tragic passing. He was as kind as he was talented. It was an honour to share the ice with him. You will be greatly missed, Denis.
— Scott Moir (@ScottMoir) July 19, 2018
The International Skating Union (ISU) also paid tribute to Ten, issuing a statement in which it said it was “deeply saddened” by the news.
READ MORE: ISU expresses condolences to family of killed Kazakh figure skater Denis Ten
The International Olympic Committee also offered its condolences, with president Thomas Bach saying Ten had been “a great athlete and a great ambassador for his sport.”
“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
— Olympics (@Olympics) July 19, 2018
The Russian Figure Skating Federation sent its condolences to Ten’s family, with president Aleksandr Gorshkov saying: “We will always remember Denis as an intelligent, talented, creative and very kind person. Rest in peace.”
