Russian anthem to ring out at Paralympics for first time in 12 years after Voronchikhina takes gold

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — Russia’s national anthem will ring out at the Paralympics for the first time in more than a decade after Para alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina won gold on Monday.

Russian athletes are back competing under their own flag in the Winter Paralympics at Milan Cortina, after years of having to do so as neutral athletes because of the country’s doping violations and military conflicts.

The 23-year-old Voronchikhina, who claimed bronze in the downhill two days earlier, finished first in the women’s super-G standing competition on Monday and the medal ceremony was set to take place shortly.

It will be the first time Russia’s anthem will be played at a major global sporting event since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the first time it is heard at the Paralympics since the 2014 Games in Sochi.

“It’s really special for me, I can see my flag (on the top of the podium)," Voronchikhina said. “Maybe now I can’t believe it, and I don’t understand what happened. Maybe I’ll see my gold medal and (believe)… it’s so special for me.

“It’s amazing. I have a big support of my family and friends and all the people in Russia.”

The Russian national anthem for a gold medal win has not been heard at any Olympics or Paralympics since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games.

Russian athletes were initially banned because of a state-sponsored doping program, and the sanctions had continued after the invasion.

Russia arrived at Milan Cortina with six athletes. The International Paralympic Committee gave wildcard entries to Russian athletes, a decision that upset Ukraine and a few other nations that boycotted the opening ceremony on Friday.