European Nation Russia Ends 12-Year Wait, Secures First Paralympic Medals
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Russia Ends 12-Year Paralympic Medal Drought in Cortina Amid Controversy
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News18•08-03-2026, 00:46
Russia Ends 12-Year Paralympic Medal Drought in Cortina Amid Controversy
•Russia secured its first Winter Paralympic medals since 2014, with Varvara Voronchikhina and Aleksei Bugaev winning bronze in downhill standing events in Cortina.
•The International Paralympic Committee allowed six Russian and four Belarusian athletes to compete with national flags despite the Ukraine war, sparking backlash.
•Seven countries, including Ukraine, boycotted the opening ceremony, and the Russian delegation faced boos from spectators.
•Voronchikhina expressed joy at competing with the Russian flag again, having been banned from the 2018 and 2022 Games due to doping and the Ukraine invasion.
•Three-time gold medallist Bugaev called his bronze a "difficult medal," emphasizing his happiness to represent his country without restrictions.