Richard Finishes Fifth in Slalom, French Medal Count Stalls at Paralympics
MILAN CORTINA, Italy – Aurélie Richard, the breakout star of the French Paralympic team, saw her impressive medal streak arrive to an finish Saturday, finishing fifth in the women’s standing slalom at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. While a fifth medal in as many races proved just beyond reach, the 20-year-aged skier departs the competition with a remarkable haul for her Paralympic debut: three silver medals and one bronze.
“I really wanted to get that last medal, but I’m very proud of the Games I’ve had,” Richard said, visibly emotional after her run, according to reports. The slalom, a discipline she typically finds less favorable than downhill or super-G, proved a challenging finale to her Games.
A Near Miss on the Podium
Richard finished just three-tenths of a second off the podium, remaining in fifth place after the second run. She was unable to close the gap on the Chinese skier Wenjing Zhu and Canada’s Michaela Gosselin, who ultimately secured the bronze and silver medals, respectively. The race was marked by an unexpected turn of events when pre-race favorite Ebba Aarsjoe of Sweden caught an edge and failed to finish the course.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a fifth medal, Richard’s performance underscores her rapid ascent in the world of para-alpine skiing. Her consistency throughout the Games has established her as a force to be reckoned with, and her four medals represent a significant contribution to the French team’s overall success.
Voronchikhina Claims Gold Amidst Upset
The unexpected exit of Aarsjoe opened the door for Russia’s Varvara Voronchikhina, who seized the opportunity to claim her second gold medal of the Games. Voronchikhina’s victory adds another chapter to a Paralympics marked by both triumph and surprise. The win is particularly notable given the current geopolitical climate and the participation of Russian athletes under neutral flags.
French Team’s Overall Performance
With eleven medals secured, the French team currently sits fifth in the medal table as the Games draw to a close. While Richard’s performance captured much of the recent attention, the entire French delegation has demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the competition. The team will now look to its remaining athletes for further success on the final day of competition.
Richard, despite her own competitive schedule concluding, expressed her commitment to supporting her teammates. “The others were better today. I’ll be here to cheer on the boys tomorrow,” she stated, highlighting the strong team spirit within the French Paralympic squad.
Looking Ahead
For Aurélie Richard, these Games represent a launching pad for a promising career. Having already proven her ability to compete at the highest level, she is poised to become a leading figure in para-alpine skiing for years to come. Her four medals – three silver and one bronze – are a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering positive attitude.
The final day of competition at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games promises to deliver more thrilling moments and potentially shift the standings in the medal table. Fans can follow the action live on the official Paralympic website and through various broadcast partners.
Archysport will continue to provide updates and analysis as the Games conclude.
