Kazakh short-track skater Abzal Azhgaliyev retires after four Olympics

September 2, 2026 at 11:13 PM1 min

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Kazakh short-track skater Abzal Azhgaliyev announced his retirement from professional sport on September 2, 2026. The 32-year-old competed in four Olympic Games and won Kazakhstan's first World Cup gold in short-track. He said he will continue working in Kazakh sport in a new role.

Key Facts

Abzal Azhgaliyev announced his retirement on September 2, 2026, at age 32.
He competed in four Olympic Games: Sochi 2014 (5th), PyeongChang 2018 (6th), Beijing 2022 (4th), and Milan-Cortina 2026 (quarterfinal).
Azhgaliyev won Kazakhstan's first World Cup gold medal in short-track, on the 500m distance.
He was Kazakhstan's flag bearer at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies.
In 2025, he won gold in the men's relay at the Asian Winter Games.

Retirement Announcement

Abzal Azhgaliyev announced his retirement from professional short-track speed skating on September 2, 2026, via social media. The 32-year-old said he had been in the sport for 24 years and had represented Kazakhstan since 2009. He stated that his next goal is to use his experience and knowledge for the development of Kazakh sport. Azhgaliyev expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, doctors, and fans.

Career Highlights

Azhgaliyev became the first Kazakhstani to win a World Cup gold medal in short-track, taking the 500m title. He was a multiple national champion and won medals at international competitions and Asian Winter Games. At the 2025 Asian Winter Games, he won gold in the men's relay. He carried Kazakhstan's flag at the opening ceremonies of the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Olympic Record

Azhgaliyev competed in four Winter Olympics: Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022, and Milan-Cortina 2026. His best Olympic result was fourth place in the 500m at Beijing 2022. He finished fifth in Sochi 2014 and sixth in PyeongChang 2018. At Milan-Cortina 2026, he reached the quarterfinal.