Russian athletes win first Paralympic medals in 12 years amid boycott

Russia has won its first Winter Paralympic medals in 12 years, with Para-alpine skiers Varvara Voronchikhina and Aleksei Bugaev securing bronze on Saturday in Cortina The achievement comes amid controversy over the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision to allow six Russian and four Belarusian athletes to compete with their national flags, despite Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine

The move sparked a backlash, prompting a boycott of Friday's opening ceremony by seven countries, including Ukraine During the athletes' parade in the Verona Arena, the Russian delegation was met with boos from some spectators

Voronchikhina, 23, won bronze in the women's downhill standing event, while Bugaev earned his in the men's equivalent Speaking after the race, Voronchikhina commented on the significance of competing under the Russian flag again. “For us it’s been a really long time when we were without a flag,” she said. “I’m really glad and all my country and all my team-mates also. I’m very happy because it’s the first medal for me”

These are the first Paralympic medals Russia has earned at the Winter Games since the country hosted the event in Sochi in 2014 The athletes' participation has brought renewed attention to the upcoming Russia Winter Paralympics 2026 cycle and the role of international sports bodies in times of conflict.