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denis ten was a beautiful human being and artist, one of my favorites to watch. he made skating history multiple times, but his reputation of kindness and generosity with so many other skaters—from those he competed and toured with, to the little kids he’d tug around local rinks—was just as, if not even more, legendary. he loved skating, and that love and joy shined through not only in his performances, but in his dedication to make the sport more accessible to everyone in his country.

the outpouring of grief and love in the skating community is a testament to how cherished his compassion, his goofiness, his sense of humor, and his positivity were by all—this, alongside his his talent, and his singular approach to artistry on the ice.

i’m still in shock, and i’ve been crying off and on over the past three days. of course i didn’t know him in person, but i’ve watched him perform since 2008 worlds, and he was just one of those skaters who held nothing back on the ice. he laid himself bare for the audience, and we loved him for it. 

my thoughts are with his family, and his many, many friends. rest in peace d10, you wacky wonderful fellow.