Voronchikhina Wins Second Gold at Milan-Cortina Paralympics

MOSCOW: (Web Desk) – Russian skier Varvara Voronchikhina captured her second gold medal at the 2026 Winter Paralympics after winning the women’s slalom standing event on Saturday. Her victory helped Russia secure its fifth gold medal at the Games while competing under its national flag.

With the closing ceremony approaching, Russia climbed to fifth place in the medal standings with a total of nine medals. The 23-year-old athlete had already won gold in the super-G event earlier in the competition and also earned silver and bronze medals in the giant slalom and downhill races.

Speaking after her latest win, Voronchikhina said the super-G gold remained her favorite because it is her preferred discipline. She added that winning her first gold helped her relax and enjoy the overall atmosphere of the Paralympics.

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A total of 10 athletes from Russia and Belarus competed at the Milan-Cortina Games under their national flags and anthems for the first time since 2014. During the opening ceremony in Verona, some spectators booed the Russian delegation as they entered the stadium carrying their flag.

Russia had previously been banned from the 2018 Winter Paralympics over a doping scandal, although certain athletes competed under neutral status. Both Russia and Belarus were also barred from the 2022 Winter Paralympics following the invasion of Ukraine, but were later allowed to compete as neutral athletes at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Another controversial moment occurred when Anastasiia Bagiian won gold in the women’s sprint classic vision-impaired event. During the medal ceremony, German silver medallist Linn Kazmaier and her guide Florian Baumann turned their backs in protest over Russia’s participation in the Games.