Biography
Denis Kuzin was born on December 4, 1988, in Kostanay, Kostanay Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Education
- 1995-2006 Secondary School No. 8, Kostanay.
- 2006-2009 Kostanay Industrial-Pedagogical College, major in Physical Education and Sports.
- 2009-2013 A. Baitursynov Kostanay State Pedagogical Institute, major in Physical Education and Sports.
Athletic Achievements
- Denis Kuzin began his athletic career in 1998 when he joined a youth sports school and started training in speed skating under coach N. P. Pastushenko.
- In 2006, he continued his training under coach P. P. Pastushenko, during which time he began achieving strong competitive results and saw his first major successes.
- In 2007, Kuzin qualified for the Junior World Championships and subsequently joined the national team of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- He made his debut in the Speed Skating World Cup in 2008 and competed at the 2009 Winter Universiade, where he placed 4th and 6th in his events.
- In 2010, Denis competed in his first Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, participating in the 1000m and 1500m events, finishing 23rd in both distances.
- At the 2011 Asian Winter Games in Astana, he won a gold medal in the 1500m event, becoming Asian Games champion.
- In 2013, Denis achieved the greatest success of his career by becoming the World Champion in the 1000 meters at the World Single Distance Championships in Sochi, Russia.
- At the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, he delivered strong performances, finishing 7th in the 1000 meters and 9th in the 1500 meters — the highest placements among Kazakh athletes at those Games.
- In 2018, he represented Kazakhstan at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, competing again in the 1000m and 1500m distances, further reinforcing his status as one of Kazakhstan’s top speed skaters.
- In 2022, Denis was once again selected for the national Olympic team, marking his fourth Olympic appearance — a testament to his longevity and elite performance level in the sport.
