The athletes took two bronze medals, competing under their national flag for the first time in more than a decade
Russia has won its first Winter Paralympic medals since 2014, with Varvara Voronchikhina and Aleksey Bugaev taking bronze in the women’s and men’s downhill standing events in Italy on Saturday.
Voronchikhina, 23, is a two-time para-alpine skiing world champion and is representing Russia at her first Paralympics event due to a long-standing ban on Russian athletes.
“I’m really, really happy. Maybe it hasn’t sunk in yet, but this is my first medal… I really feel proud; it’s very nice! Both that our flag is hanging in the stands and at the opening ceremony,” she told journalists at Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Three-time gold medalist Bugaev also celebrated the ability to compete under his national flag once more.
“I’m glad I can represent my country again… It’s nice not to be accused of anything, not restricted, not forced into hiding, like in Korea. It’s just stupid!” he told journalists. “We’re glad we can compete on a regular basis and win medals.”
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