Russia secures first Winter Paralympic gold since 2014 as Voronchikhina triumphs

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO: Russia claimed its first Winter Paralympic gold medal under its national flag since 2014, as skier Varvara Voronchikhina won the women’s super-G standing event on Monday in Cortina.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) permitted six Russian athletes and four from Belarus to compete under their respective national flags, despite Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This decision marked a departure from previous events where Russian athletes participated as neutrals.

Voronchikhina, 23, expressed her excitement following her victory, stating, “It’s so special for me bec­ause it’s my first Paralympic Games and it’s my dream since I was a child. And when I see my flag, it’s so special and amazing.” She dedicated her achievement to her country, saying, “To our whole country, which was rooting for us... To my family and loved ones.”

Earlier in the competition, Voronchikhina had already earned a bronze medal, securing Russia’s first podium finish at a Winter Paralympic Games in 12 years. In the super-G event, she finished 1.96 seconds ahead of French silver medallist Aurelie Richard on the Olympic course.

The victory is seen as a significant milestone for Russia, which had not won a Winter Paralympic gold medal under its own flag since 2014. The IPC’s decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with their national symbols comes amid ongoing international scrutiny due to the war in Ukraine.

Voronchikhina’s performance and her emotional response have drawn attention to the broader context of the Games, with athletes from both Russia and Belarus returning to the podium under their national banners.