Voronchikhina claims Russia’s first winter paralympic gold under national flag since 2014

Russian skier Varvara Voronchikhina secured Russia’s first Winter Paralympic gold medal under its national flag in more than a decade after winning the women’s super-G standing event on Monday at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, Sport360NG reports.

The 23-year-old delivered an impressive performance on the Olympia delle Tofane course, finishing 1.96 seconds ahead of France’s Aurélie Richard to clinch the top prize.

Voronchikhina had already made history for her country earlier in the Games after winning bronze in the downhill event last weekend, marking Russia’s first Winter Paralympic podium finish in 12 years.

Her victory also represents Russia’s first Winter Paralympic gold under its own flag since the 2014 Winter Paralympics.

Despite Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee permitted six Russian athletes and four competitors from Belarus to participate in the Games representing their countries and competing under their national flags, rather than as neutral athletes.

Russia’s Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev congratulated the skier following her triumph.

“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 be played during the medal ceremony later on Monday.

Russia had previously been barred from the 2018 Winter Paralympics due to a widespread doping scandal, although some athletes were later allowed to compete under neutral colours.

Both Russia and Belarus were subsequently excluded from the 2022 Winter Paralympics following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, athletes from both countries were later permitted to take part as neutral competitors at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Speaking after her downhill bronze on Saturday, Voronchikhina recalled the disappointment she experienced four years earlier when she travelled to Beijing only to be ruled out after Russia’s suspension by the IPC.

“For me it was really, really sad,” she said. “I hope at these Games I will perform better, and it has happened.”