Russian Para Skiers End 12-Year Olympic Medal Drought

Voronchikhina and Bugaev win bronze medals for Russia at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Russian para alpine skiers Varvara Voronchikhina and Aleksei Bugaev won bronze medals in the women's and men's downhill standing competitions at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. This marks Russia's first Paralympic medals since the 2014 Sochi Games, after years of competing as neutral athletes due to doping violations and military conflicts.

Why it matters

Russia's return to the Paralympics under its own flag is a significant milestone, signaling a potential full-fledged return to the Olympic circles ahead of the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. However, the Russian team's participation has been controversial, with some boos heard during the opening ceremony parade.

The details

Voronchikhina competed in the discipline for visually impaired athletes, while Bugaev competed in the discipline for athletes with impairment in one arm. The Russian national anthem could be played for gold medalists for the first time since the 2016 Rio Olympics, marking a symbolic return to major global sporting events.

  • The 2026 Paralympic Games are taking place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
  • Voronchikhina and Bugaev won their bronze medals on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Varvara Voronchikhina

A Russian para alpine skier who won a bronze medal in the women's downhill standing competition.

Aleksei Bugaev

A Russian para alpine skier who won a bronze medal in the men's downhill standing competition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For us, it's a really long time when we (were) without (the) flag, and I'm really glad and all my country and all my teammates, we (are) glad also.”

— Varvara Voronchikhina (kslnewsradio.com)

“I'm happy, I suppose. First medal for me, for Russia, since 2014 from Sochi. I won the medal for my country, for Russia. I'm happy to represent my country.”

— Aleksei Bugaev (kslnewsradio.com)

What’s next

The Russian team is expected to compete for more medals in the upcoming events at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The takeaway

Russia's return to the Paralympics under its own flag marks a significant milestone, but has also been met with some controversy. The success of Voronchikhina and Bugaev in ending Russia's 12-year medal drought at the Paralympics is a symbolic moment for the country's athletes.