'Expression of solidarity': German athletes protest Russian gold at Milano Cortina
The Russian national anthem was played for the first time in more than a decade at the Paralympics this week, and it caused a stir.
Russian athletes are back competing under their own flag in the Winter Paralympics after years of having to do so as neutral athletes because of the country’s doping violations and military conflicts.
During the podium ceremony on Wednesday, German silver medallist Linn Kazmaier and her guide, Florian Baumann, looked down as the Russian flag was raised and the anthem was played.
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Then they kept their distance from the Russian athletes while posing for photos with the medals. While leaving the stage, they appeared to refuse to take a photo with the other podium finalists.
The German National Paralympic Committee said it “was an expression of solidarity with their friends, the Ukrainian athletes.”
There had been no incidents during the podium ceremony when Russian Para alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina won gold on Monday.
Linn Kazmaier (l) and guide Florian Baumann (2nd from left) from Germany stand next to Anastasiia Bagajan (2nd from right) with guide Sergei Sinijakin (r) from Russia during the award ceremony at the Paralympics in Para cross-country skiing at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium. The XIV Winter Paralympics will take place from March 6 to 15, 2026. Photo: Martin Schutt/dpa (Photo by Martin Schutt/picture alliance via Getty Images) dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
It is the first time Russia’s anthem was played at a major global sporting event since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the first time it was heard at the Paralympics since the 2014 Games in Sochi.
Germany was among the nations that criticised the return of Russian athletes competing under their flag at the Milan Cortina Games. Some nations, including Ukraine, boycotted the opening ceremony.
Watch the Winter Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event live & on demand, every medal in 4K, and exclusive international coverage on Stan Sport.
The Russian national anthem for a gold medal win had 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 who were given wildcard entries by the International Paralympic Committee.
