‘Flag can fly’ as Russia wins first Paralympic medals in 12 years

Russia won its first Winter Paralympic medals since 2014 on Saturday as Varvara Voronchikhina and Aleksei Bugaev claimed bronze in the women’s and men’s downhill standing events in Cortina.

Despite Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has allowed six Russian athletes and four from their allies Belarus to represent their countries, accompanied by their national flags, rather than competing as neutrals.

The move sparked backlash with Friday’s opening ceremony being boycotted by seven countries, including Ukraine, and the Russian delegation was booed by some spectators in the Verona Arena during the athletes parade.

Speaking after winning her nation’s first medal since the 2014 Games in Sochi, 23-year-old Voronchikhina said: “For us it’s been a really long time when we were without a flag.

“I’m really glad and all my country and all my teammates also.

“I’m very happy because it’s the first medal for me.”

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

Russia and Belarus were then banned from the 2022 Paralympics following the invasion of Ukraine, although they were permitted to compete as neutral athletes in the Paris Summer Paralympics two years later.

Four years ago, Voronchikhina said she was in Beijing ready for to compete, before Russia was suspended by the IPC.

“In Beijing we were there,” the Paralympics debutant said. “I had third training in downhill and after we (had to) go back home.

“For me it was really, really sad and I hope in these Games I will be better and it will be.”

Later on Saturday, three-time gold medallist Bugaev picked up the eighth medal of his Paralympic career as he finished third in the men’s downhill standing.

“It was a difficult medal, I would say, even one of the most difficult of my career,” he said. “But I am very happy that I can represent my country again.”

The 28-year-old added: “It’s nice when you’re not deprived of anything, not restricted, not forced to not reveal yourself, like it was in Korea (2018), for example, when they combined the two colours of our flag.

“We’re just happy that we can compete here on equal terms. And even more so to bring home a medal so that the flag can fly.”