I felt support of all Kazakhstanis at the Winter Youth Olympics – Ilya Mizernykh
Kazinform correspondent had a chat with Ilya Mizernykh, 16, who claimed historic ski jumping gold for Kazakhstan at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Born and raised in Almaty, Ilya Mizernykh started going in for ski jumping at the age of 6. He followed his grandfather’s footsteps who was a professional athlete. At the age of 6 he didn’t realize what he was doing on the slopes, but he enjoyed every minute of it.
Ilya fondly recalls his first coach Chingiz Nabiyev who showed him the ropes of ski jumping. Afterwards he got trained by a myriad of amazing coaches who prepared him for various competitions, world cups, Kazakhstan’s national team, which Ilya has been a part of for half a year. Ilya also claims he has been training lately with one goal in his mind, the Olympics.
Although his performances at the sports events in Europe and the U.S. were average, Ilya is extremely grateful for the opportunity to take part in the high-profile events, gain valuable experience and train alongside those athletes who achieve tremendous results.
As to his success at the Winter Youth Olympics, Ilya by no means expected to win gold, all he wanted was to land in the Top 3. However, life had its own plans that day.
Ilya says that after winning gold in Gangwon he realized everything is possible if you set your mind to it.
He also adds that he is hugely motivated by the people of Kazakhstan, friends and team, adding that they always support each other no matter what. He claims he felt the support of Kazakhstanis at the Winter Youth Olympics. He still feels proud and profoundly motivated after the Gangwon triumph.
Currently Ilya and his team are busy training twice a day for the upcoming World Youth Cup set to be held in Slovenia. The goal is to land in the top 10 of the event.
Ilya says Kazakhstan has everything in place for athletes to train all year round. With little reconstruction of ski jumping facilities and hills, the country can serve as a venue for World Cups and world championship events in the future.
As for his ultimate dream, Ilya says winning the Olympics Games comes first. He also wants to buy a big house in Almaty.
