Russia wins ‘dream’ first Paralympic gold since 2014

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO – Russia won its first Winter Paralympic gold medal under its own flag since 2014, as skier Varvara Voronchikhina was crowned women’s super-G standing champion on March 9 in Cortina.

Despite Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has

allowed six Russian athletes

and four from their ally Belarus to represent their countries, accompanied by their national flags, rather than competing as neutrals.

“It’s so special for me because it’s my first Paralympic Games and it’s my dream since I was a child,” Voronchikhina told reporters after collecting her medal.

“And when I see my flag, it’s so special and amazing.”

The 23-year-old dedicated the win to “our whole country, which was rooting for us... to my family and loved ones”.

Already a bronze medallist last weekend, when she claimed Russia’s first podium appearance at a Winter Games in 12 years, Voronchikhina beat French silver medallist Aurelie Richard by 1.96 seconds at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre to claim top spot. Sweden’s Ebba Arsjo was third.

“Congratulations to Varvara Voronchikhina on Russia’s first gold medal in the super-G at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics,” Russia’s sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev posted on Telegram.

“The Russian anthem is playing,” he added of the podium ceremony, which took place at the end of the super-G events on March 9.

Voronchikhina received a polite smattering of applause as the gold medal was placed around her neck, before the playing of the national anthem and raising of the Russian flag were greeted with a respectful silence.

During the opening ceremony in Verona on March 6, representatives of the Russian contingent were booed by some spectators as they paraded behind the country’s flag.

Russia was banned from the 2018 Winter Games due to a doping scandal, although some athletes were permitted to compete under neutral colours.

Russia and Belarus were then

barred from the 2022 Winter Paralympics

following the invasion of Ukraine, although they were also allowed to take part in the Paris Summer Paralympics as neutral athletes two years later.

“I dedicate my medal to my (deceased) grandfather who, unfortunately, was unable to wait and see my victory,” Voronchikhina added.

“Because it should have happened earlier, when we won our medals, because we came to Beijing in 2022 and we were kicked out from there.”

Voronchikhina’s exploits have brought her to the attention of foreign media at the Games.

“They ask about food, emotions, feelings, of course,” she said.

“But they also ask about political topics, which I would rather not touch on, of course.” AFP