On February 22nd, the Olympic Figure Skating Gala Show held at Milan-Cortina featured an unforgettable performance that left the audience filled with laughter and gasps of excitement. Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaiydorov, who won a surprising gold medal in men’s singles, delighted spectators by donning a panda costume reminiscent of the character 'Po' from the movie 'Kung Fu Panda.' His unique appearance grasped all attention, and his playful antics included a mock battle with skaters dressed as characters from popular culture, including Deadpool and fighters from the Mortal Kombat fighting game. The combination of humor and athleticism kept the audience entertained throughout.

As the music played, including Britney Spears' hit 'Baby One More Time,' the excitement in the arena intensified. Shaiydorov's performance featured impressive technical skills as he executed a triple jump while staying in character as a giant panda, which elicited cheers from the crowd. Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski, who provided commentary for NBC, expressed amazement at how he managed such complex moves in a costume designed for comedy. The show reached its peak when iconic actor Jackie Chan made an unexpected appearance to present Shaiydorov with a panda plush toy, further elevating the festive atmosphere.

Ahead of the gala, speculation had surrounded whether Shaiydorov would debut his panda-themed skate program on the Olympic stage. This act wasn't created for the occasion; rather, it was part of his gala repertoire developed over several years, demonstrating his affinity for 'Kung Fu Panda.' In previous interviews, Shaiydorov shared that he relates closely to the character and aims to convey a message of personal growth and resilience despite obstacles, an idea that resonated during his show. His shocking victory over strong favorite Ilia Malinin solidified his place in Olympic history, marking a significant moment in the sport.