Russia’s National Anthem to be played again after more than a decade at Winter Paralympics after Varvara Voronchikhina wins Super-G gold (via Getty Images)

For the first time in more than a decade, Russia’s national anthem will be played at the Winter Paralympics after para alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina on Monday. The 23-year-old skier finished first in the women’s super-G standing event, marking a historic moment for Russian sport at the Paralympic Games. Her victory ended years of absence of the Russian anthem at major global competitions due to sanctions and restrictions.Russian athletes are competing again under their own flag at the 2026 Winter Paralympics after previously appearing as neutral competitors. The restrictions were imposed because of a state-backed doping scandal and later extended following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Voronchikhina’s win, therefore, represents a symbolic return for Russia at the Paralympic Games, although the decision to allow the country’s athletes to compete has sparked debate among several nations.

Varvara Voronchikhina’s gold marks Russia’s return to Paralympics podium

Varvara Voronchikhina delivered an impressive performance in the women’s super-G standing race to secure the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Paralympics. The Russian skier had already shown strong form earlier in the competition when she won bronze in the downhill event just two days before. Her victory on Monday made her the first Russian athlete in more than ten years to initiate the playing of the national anthem at the Paralympics.The last time Russia’s anthem was played for a Paralympic gold medal was during the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi. At the Olympic and Paralympic level, the anthem had not been heard since the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.Russian athletes were originally banned from competing under their flag after investigations revealed a widespread state-supported doping program in the country’s sports system. Over time, those sanctions were extended following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.Despite the restrictions, the International Paralympic Committee allowed a small number of Russian athletes to compete at Milan-Cortina through wildcard entries. Russia arrived at the Games with just six competitors.The decision drew criticism from Ukraine and several other nations. In protest, some delegations chose to boycott the opening ceremony of the Games on Friday, highlighting the continuing tensions surrounding Russia’s participation in international sport.