Victory and controversy share the podium
Ivan Golubkov crossed the finish line and raised his arms. It was not just a personal triumph, it was the third gold for Russia in Milan-Cortina. Minutes later, Anastasiia Bagiian would add the fourth. But this time, the national anthem that was playing carried an extra weight.
“I am very happy. I spent 20 years to get to this point,” Golubkov said after winning the 10 km sitting. “This race was very fluid and went very well.”
Her genuine joy contrasted with the scene from the previous day. On that podium, German skiers Linn Kazmaier and her guide Florian Baumann lowered their gaze during the Russian anthem. Afterwards they maintained physical distance from the Russian athletes.
A gesture that speaks louder than a thousand words
The German National Paralympic Committee explained it clearly: it was “an expression of solidarity with their friends, the Ukrainian athletes.” A silent but powerful message on the world stage.
We are talking about the first Russian anthem in a Paralympic Games since Sochi 2014. And the first in any major sporting event since that February 2022. Russian athletes compete again under their flag after years as “neutral” due to sanctions.
The tension is palpable. Ukraine boycotted the opening ceremony. Germany openly criticized the return under the Russian flag. But here they are, six athletes with a special invitation, writing their story.
What is clear to me is this: sport continues to be that space where everything converges—superhuman effort, international politics, silent protests, and lifelong dreams. Golubkov trained two decades for those minutes at the top of the podium. Meanwhile, the world watches and some athletes decide to use that moment to say something else.
This is how the Paralympians compete this year: with medals that shine and gestures that resonate.
