Competing under their own flag for the first time since 2014, Russian athletes won their country’s first medals at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
The image of Russian athletes sharing podiums with their fellow Paralympians marks a significant milestone in bringing the country back from sporting exile.
It was Russia Banned from the Games twiceFirst in 2016 over a state-sponsored doping scheme, and then in 2022 due to a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Varvara Voronchikhina of Russia poses with gold medalist Ebba Arsjo of Sweden and silver medalist Aurelie Richard of France. Image: Reuters
Ukraine’s illegal invasion and Russia’s subsequent actions have resulted in the country being barred from competing in several sporting arenas.
FIFA and UEFA suspended Russian national teams and clubs from all competitions in February 2022.
Gold medalist Robin Kuche of Switzerland poses with silver medalists Arthur Bouchet and Alexey Bugaev of France. Image: Reuters
Russian athletes are back on the podium
On Saturday, Russia managed to win two bronze medals.
Para alpine skiers Varvara Voronchikhina and Alexey Bugaev claimed medals in the women’s and men’s downhill standing events.
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Russia has six athletes at the Games.
The International Paralympic Committee gave Russian athletes wildcard entries, a decision that upset Ukraine and other nations that boycotted Friday’s opening ceremony.
