Varvara Voronchikhina wins women’s super-G standing
Russian anthem has not been heard at Games since 2014
The Russian national anthem has been played at the Paralympics for the first time since 2014 as the skier Varvara Voronchikhina claimed gold in the women’s super-G standing.
A tearful Voronchikhina received her medal on Monday afternoon, and the Russian flag was raised, after a dominant performance on the slopes of the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre. A watching crowd of international fans responded only with polite applause, but Voronchikhina’s success has already been celebrated by Russia’s sports minister.
Voronchikhina finished 1.96 seconds clear of the French racer Aurélie Richard in the giant slalom event. Richard’s silver medal was met with wild cheers from the stands. The 23-year-old Russian, meanwhile, said she had been moved by the sight of her national flags amongst the spectators.
