On the evening of March 18, 2024, the authors of historical silver medals from the World Short Track Championship, Denis Nikisha and Alina Azhgaliyeva, returned home. They were warmly welcomed by their relatives and loved ones at the Astana airport.
Denis Nikisha, the leader of the Kazakh national short track team, made history in Rotterdam, Netherlands by winning the country's first medal at the adult world championship. On March 21, he secured a silver medal in the 500m race, expressing his pride in the achievement and newfound confidence in his Olympic aspirations.
Similarly, on February 24, Alina Azhgaliyeva also clinched a historic silver medal, the first of its kind in the junior World Championships for girls.
It is worth noting that Denis Nikisha had previously won the 2023 World Cup in short track, showcasing his dominance in the sport. His victory on December 18, 2023, at the Almaty rink in the 500m race further solidified his position as a top sprinter. Following this triumph, Nikisha even proposed to his girlfriend, marking a memorable moment in his personal life.
The return of these talented athletes with their well-deserved silver medals has not only brought pride to Kazakhstan but has also inspired hope and excitement for their future achievements in the upcoming Winter Olympics.
