Here, sports unite generations, instill discipline, and teach resilience. A correspondent from Turmush spoke with the skiing family about their path to success and iron will.
The head of the family, Valery Valeryevich Shabanov, is an experienced ski instructor. He is the one who inspired this sports story, gradually involving the whole family in training. His wife, Yulia Shapovalova, works as an English teacher at M. Lomonosov School and provides reliable support and a strong foundation.
The Shabanovs have three children, each of whom has already made a name for themselves in sports:
- Konstantin (21 years old), a candidate for master of sports (CMS).
- Arina (17 years old), a candidate for master of sports (CMS).
- Roman (6th grade), a student at school No. 2 named after Baisara uulu Sadyr Ake, a promising young skier.
The children's love for speed manifested itself at a very early age. Konstantin started skiing at 7 years old, Arina at 5, and the youngest, Roman, at just 4 years old, trying not to lag behind the older siblings.
The family's life is governed by a strict schedule. "Everyone has their own routine. Our daughter studies in the morning, and after lunch, she goes to the slopes. The younger son, on the other hand, trains in the morning and goes to school in the afternoon. They are used to this rhythm and take responsibility for their preparation," Yulia explains.
Roman fondly recalls his first race at 6 years old, where he became the youngest participant. That medal became his main motivation. Today, he has gold from competitions in Chon-Kurchak and a victory in the "I Am a Champion" tournament.
The older children have faced more severe challenges. Arina represented Kyrgyzstan at international competitions in Turkey, China, and the Asian Games. However, the path to the top came at a significant cost: both Arina and Konstantin had to undergo serious surgeries after injuries. But even pain did not make them abandon sports.
The parents say that awards are not the main thing. What matters more is the character that is forged on the slopes. "Sports teach patience and responsibility. There is no rivalry among the children—thanks to the age difference, they support each other, and the older ones always give advice to the younger one," Yulia Shapovalova reported.
The family is inseparable even at away competitions. The Shabanovs have traveled together to Bishkek, Orlovka, and Naryn. The parents admit that they worry about their children much more than the athletes themselves, knowing the injury risks associated with this sport.
The main goal of the young athletes is to compete in the Olympic Games. The parents do everything to make this dream a reality.
Outside of skiing, the Shabanovs remain committed to an active lifestyle, hiking in the mountains, trips to Issyk-Kul, biking on rough terrain, and snowboarding (except for the mom, who remains loyal to skiing).
The main advice from the Shabanov family: "Fear nothing, never give up. But the most important thing is discipline, desire, and a sincere striving for the goal."
