The skating world is still reeling from the news of the sudden demise of Kazahk figure skater and Winter Olympics Bronze Medalist Denis Ten, who was stabbed to death in the streets of Almaty after foiling an attempted theft. He was only 25 years old.
Denis shares a special association with the anime series “Yuri!!! ON ICE“, since he was the basis for Otabek Altin — who was likewise a Kazahk figure skater, and one of the show’s most popular characters. He has also publicly supported the series, often tweeting about it on social media.
The staff of “Yuri!!! ON ICE” — including Director Saya Yamamoto, Writer Mitsurou Kubo, Character Designer Tadashi Hiramatsu, and Key Animator Eiji Abiko gave tribute to the courageous young skater, who touched the hearts of fans not just in Kazahkstan but also all over the world.
Director Sayo Yamamoto
まだこの事実を受け入れることができません。デニス・テン選手のスケートに出会わなければ「ユーリ!!!」が今のかたちで存在することはありませんでした。デニス選手のスケートは唯一無二で私たちに沢山のインスピレーションを与えてくれました。ずっと尊敬しています。
監督:山本沙代 pic.twitter.com/LAspEE45wv— TVアニメ「ユーリ!!! on ICE」 (@yurionice_PR) July 20, 2018
I'm still having a difficult time accepting this tragedy.
Had I never encountered Denis Ten's skating, "Yuri!!!" would not be what it is today.
Denis's skating was truly one of a kind and he has gifted us with so much inspiration.
Respect. Always and forever.Sayo Yamamoto pic.twitter.com/YOdAdutqor
— TVアニメ「ユーリ!!! on ICE」 (@yurionice_PR) July 20, 2018
Writer Mitsurou Kubo
#ThankYouD10 pic.twitter.com/za6cdCHZpO
— 久保ミツロウ (@kubomitsurou) July 21, 2018
Character Designer Tadashi Hiramatsu
アメブロを更新しました。 『デニス・テンさん』 #デニス・テン #カザフスタンhttps://t.co/wzMP0TzMX8
— 平松禎史 (@Hiramatz) July 21, 2018
Key Animator Eiji Abiko
捧げます pic.twitter.com/elT5AXOE2L
— 安彦英二 (@oapiko3) July 20, 2018
Requiesce in pace, Denis. You will be missed.
Didn’t Denis ten attempted to foil yuzuru hanyu’s career multiple times?
What a bad and cruel way for Ten’s life to end… 😢