First Time Since 2014! Russia Claims Winter Paralympic Gold Under Its Own Flag

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 17:35 IST

Varvara Voronchikhina won Russia's first Winter Paralympic gold since 2014 in the women’s super-G standing event, beating Aurélie Richard by 1.96 seconds.

Varvara Voronchikhina delivered a historic moment for Russia on Monday, winning the women’s super-G standing event at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The victory marks Russia’s first Winter Paralympic gold medal under its own flag since 2014, ending more than a decade without a top podium finish under national colours.

The 23-year-old skier produced a dominant run on the Olympia delle Tofane piste, beating Aurélie Richard of France by 1.96 seconds to secure the gold medal.

Historic Win for Voronchikhina

Voronchikhina had already made headlines earlier in the Games after claiming bronze in the downhill, which was Russia’s first Winter Paralympics podium in 12 years.

Her super-G triumph therefore marks another milestone in what is turning into a breakthrough Games for the Russian team.

Russia’s sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev quickly congratulated the athlete following the result.

“Congratulations to Varvara Voronchikhina on Russia’s first gold medal in the super-G at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics," Degtyarev wrote on Telegram, adding that the Russian anthem would play during the medal ceremony later on Monday.

Controversial Participation

The participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes has been a major talking point at the Games.

Despite the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee allowed six Russian athletes and four from Belarus to compete under their national flags, rather than as neutral athletes.

The decision marks a shift from previous Games, where restrictions were imposed due to geopolitical tensions and sporting sanctions.

A Long Road Back

Russia’s presence at the Paralympics has been turbulent in recent years.

The country was banned from the 2018 Winter Paralympics following a major doping scandal, though some athletes were allowed to compete under neutral status.

Later, Russian and Belarusian athletes were excluded from the 2022 Winter Paralympics after the invasion of Ukraine. They returned only as neutral competitors at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

For Voronchikhina, the moment carries personal significance. She revealed that she had travelled to the 2022 Beijing Paralympics ready to compete before the suspension was announced.

“For me it was really, really sad," she said earlier in the Games. “I hope at these Games I will be better."

(with AFP inputs)

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