CORTINA D’AMPEZZO (Italy), March 7 — Russia secured its first Paralympic medal since 2014 on Saturday after Varvara Voronchikhina captured bronze in the women’s standing downhill event in Cortina.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO (Italy), March 7 — Russia secured its first Paralympic medal since 2014 on Saturday after Varvara Voronchikhina captured bronze in the women’s standing downhill event in Cortina.
Despite Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) permitted six Russian athletes and four from Belarus to compete under their national flags instead of as neutral participants.
The decision drew criticism, with seven countries — including Ukraine — boycotting Friday’s opening ceremony. During the parade at the Verona Arena, members of the Russian delegation were also booed by sections of the crowd.
Speaking after earning Russia’s first Paralympic medal since the 2014 Sochi Games, the 23-year-old Voronchikhina expressed pride in competing under her country’s flag.
“For us, it has been a very long time without our flag,” she said. “I’m really happy, and so are my country and my teammates. This is my first medal and I’m very proud.”
Russia and Belarus were barred from the 2022 Winter Paralympics following the invasion of Ukraine, although athletes from both nations were later allowed to compete as neutrals at the Paris Summer Paralympics two years afterward.
Voronchikhina recalled how she had been prepared to race at the Beijing Games four years ago before Russia was suspended by the IPC.
“We were already in Beijing,” said the Paralympic debutant. “I had completed my third downhill training before we had to return home.
“It was very, very sad for me, and I hope I can do even better in these Games.” — AFP
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