VARVARA VORONCHIKHINA delivered a historic performance by winning the women’s standing super-G at the Winter Paralympics.
The victory gave Russia its first Paralympic gold medal since 2014.
The 23-year-old skier finished the race in 1 minute 15.6 seconds on the famous Olimpia delle Tofane course.
Historic Return for Russian Athletes
This year’s Games mark the first time the Russian flag has appeared at the Paralympics since the country hosted the event in Sochi in 2014.
Russian athletes had faced several bans following a state-sponsored doping scandal. Later sanctions came after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Athletes from Russia were only allowed to return to international competition earlier this year.
Court Appeal Allowed Return
Voronchikhina and her teammates resumed international events in January.
Their return came after Russia won an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
The federation had initially refused to lift its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
Earlier, the International Paralympic Committee had already ended its suspension of the two countries in September.
Strong Performance on the Slopes
Voronchikhina dominated the super-G race with a fast and controlled run.
She finished nearly two seconds ahead of Aurelie Richard from France, who won silver.
Ebba Aarsjoe from Sweden secured the bronze medal.
Emotional Moment on the Podium
Voronchikhina became emotional during the medal ceremony. The Russian national anthem played as she stood on the podium as Paralympic champion.
She said the moment felt special after seeing her national flag displayed by supporters.
The gold medal followed her bronze in the standing downhill event earlier in the Games, which was Russia’s first medal of the tournament.
More Medal Chances Ahead
Although this is her first Paralympic Games, Voronchikhina already has an impressive record.
She is a two-time world champion, including a title in the super-G event in 2021.
With several races still remaining, the young skier could add more medals before the Games conclude.
