Russian National Anthem Returns to Paralympic Podium as Voronchikhina Secures Super-G Gold

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – In a moment laden with history and controversy, the Russian national anthem resonated once more at a Paralympic Games on Monday, March 9, 2026. Para-alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina, 23, delivered a stunning performance to win gold in the women’s standing Super-G at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, marking the first time the Russian flag has been prominently displayed at a major international competition since the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. This victory follows Voronchikhina’s bronze medal in the downhill event earlier in the week and signals a significant shift in the landscape of international Paralympic sport.

A Return After Suspension

Voronchikhina’s triumph is particularly poignant given the recent restrictions placed on Russian athletes. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and building on existing sanctions related to state-sponsored doping dating back to 2016, Russian and Belarusian athletes were largely barred from international competition. But, a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) earlier this year allowed Russian athletes to return to international skiing and snowboarding events, a decision that paved the way for their participation in the Milan-Cortina Paralympics. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) had initially suspended Russia and Belarus, but reversed course in September 2025, a move that sparked considerable debate and, in some cases, outright protest.

Controversy and Boycotts

The IPC’s decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags proved deeply divisive. Several nations, including France, responded by boycotting the opening ceremony of the Games in protest. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari explained the decision, stating the government wished to “mark our disagreement” with the IPC’s ruling. The move underscored the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complex ethical considerations surrounding the participation of athletes from countries involved in international conflicts.

Voronchikhina’s Performance and Background

On the slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, however, the focus was on athletic achievement. Voronchikhina finished ahead of France’s Aurélie Richard, who secured the silver medal, repeating her second-place finish from the downhill event. The victory is a landmark moment for Voronchikhina, who is competing in her first Paralympics despite being a two-time world champion in Para-Alpine skiing. She was unable to participate in the 2022 Beijing Games due to the outright ban on Russian athletes. Born in Baykalsk, Russia, in November 2002, Voronchikhina began skiing at the age of four, transitioning to alpine skiing at six. She was born without part of her left hand.

A Broader Impact on the Games

The return of the Russian flag to the Paralympic podium is more than just a sporting result; it’s a symbolic moment with far-reaching implications. It represents a shift in the international sporting landscape and raises questions about the balance between collective punishment and individual athlete rights. While the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete has been met with criticism, it also acknowledges the principle that athletes should not be held responsible for the actions of their governments.

This is a particularly significant moment for Voronchikhina and her team. “It’s a really long time when we were without the flag, and I’m really glad,” Voronchikhina said, as reported by the BBC. “All my country and all my team-mates, we [are] glad also.”

What’s Next for Voronchikhina?

Voronchikhina isn’t finished competing at the Milan-Cortina Games. She is scheduled to participate in the super combined, slalom, and giant slalom events, offering her further opportunities to add to her medal count. Given her dominant form and world championship pedigree, she is considered a strong contender in all of these disciplines. The question now is whether she can continue her winning streak and further solidify Russia’s return to the forefront of Paralympic sport.

The Para-Alpine skiing schedule continues throughout the week in Cortina d’Ampezzo, with competitions in various disciplines, and categories. Fans can follow the action and results on the official Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games website and through broadcasts on major sports networks worldwide.