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.