German Paralympic Athletes Turn Their Backs on Russian Gold Medallists in Powerful Podium Protest

German Athletes Stage Silent Protest at Winter Paralympics Podium

In a striking act of silent defiance, German cross-country skiers turned their backs on Russian gold medallists during a medal ceremony at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, sending a clear message about their opposition to Russia's participation in the Games.

Russia's Return to Paralympic Competition

This marks the first time since 2014 that Russian athletes have competed under their national flag at a Paralympic Games. The return became possible after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) lifted its long-standing suspension of Russia back in September, a decision that has since sparked widespread controversy throughout the international sports community.

By the time of the incident, Russia had already claimed three gold medals at the Games. On Tuesday, visually impaired cross-country skier Anastasiia Bagiian and her guide Sergei Siniakin claimed gold in the women's sprint classic vision impaired event — Russia's second gold of the competition.

The Moment on the Podium

As the Russian national anthem echoed through the venue, German silver medallists Linn Kazmaier and her guide Florian Baumann deliberately turned away from the Russian flag, keeping their hats on throughout the ceremony as a further gesture of non-recognition.

Kazmaier later spoke candidly to German media outlet Bild, explaining the emotional complexity of the moment.

"The medal ceremony felt completely strange," she said. "I don't know the Russian athletes personally. Perhaps they are really nice people, who we could be friends with. That it is so totally overshadowed by politics is simply a complete shame."

"That's why we decided to leave our hats on and not turn towards the flag — because we do not support it."

The pair also reportedly declined to participate in the traditional post-ceremony group selfie taken by all medallists.

Standing in Solidarity with Ukraine

Guide Florian Baumann was equally candid in his remarks, emphasizing that the protest was directed at the IPC's decision rather than at the Russian athletes themselves.

"Four years ago in Beijing, we had a great exchange with the Ukrainian athletes. We wanted to show solidarity with them," Baumann explained. "It's not about the Russian athletes themselves — it's also difficult for many of them. But the IPC's decision to have Russia competing here under their flag, with their anthem and their full contingent, while Ukrainian athletes are also present, I simply find that not correct."

Broader Boycott and International Reaction

The controversy surrounding Russia's reinstatement extends well beyond a single podium protest. In total, six Russian athletes and four from Belarus — a close ally of Russia — are competing at this year's Winter Paralympics following the IPC's ban being lifted.

In response to their inclusion, teams from seven nations, including Ukraine, chose to boycott the opening ceremony held in Verona on Friday, underscoring the deep divisions the decision has created within the Paralympic movement.

It is worth noting that Russia's first gold of the Games, won by para-alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina on Monday, passed without any visible protest at the medal ceremony.

IPC Response

The International Paralympic Committee confirmed to media that it is aware of the German athletes' protest and stated that it is currently gathering and analyzing evidence regarding the incident. The German Paralympic Committee had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.