Russia has celebrated its return to the Paralympics with a gold medal. Skier Varvara Voronchikhina won the women's Super-G standing race.
Russia and Belarus were readmitted by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) last September, following a vote by the body's general assembly. Both nations had been banned from Paralympic competitions after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian team had previously been suspended due to a doping scandal and last competed under their own flag in Sochi in 2014. IPC chief brand and communications officer Craig Spence downplayed the political significance of the win, stating the crowd saw "just an athlete" competing.
The IPC's decision to readmit Russia has drawn criticism, with Ukraine and several countries boycotting the opening ceremony parade in protest. Despite the controversy, Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev congratulated Voronchikhina on her victory.