Mikhail Shaidorov: “I want to be a panda”

Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan has made figure skating history a few times already: He is the first to land a quadruple jump as the second jump in a combination with his triple Axel-quad toe (Grand Prix de France) and also did a triple Axel-Euler-quad Salchow at the Grand Prix Final. Moreover, he is the first skater from Kazakhstan to qualify for the senior-level Grand Prix Final. Mikhail, who trains in Sochi, Russia under Olympic Champion Alexei Urmanov and Ivan Righini, is an outgoing, open-minded young man and likes to joke. More and more fans discover him, also thanks to his fun Kung Fu Panda exhibition program. In our interview, Mikhail talks about his development as a skater, his unique combinations, his panda show program and more.

What is your impression and your experience from your first ISU Grand Prix Final?

Mikhail: It was a very good experience for me. It was unexpected to me to come to the Grand Prix Final as the first skater from Kazakhstan (at the senior level). I showed good performances and I am satisfied with my skating. I'll keep working to progress further. I'll rest a bit and I'll push for the rest of the season.