German skiers turn backs on Russian medallists in Paralympic protest
German cross-country skiers Linn Kazmaier and Florian Baumann turned their backs on the Russian gold medallists during a Winter Paralympics podium ceremony on Tuesday to protest the nation’s readmission to the Games.
The gesture occurred during the women’s sprint classic vision impaired event after Anastasiia Bagiian and her guide Sergei Siniakin secured victory.
As the Russian national anthem played across the venue, the German silver medallists deliberately faced away from the flag.
Solidarity drives podium demonstration
Speaking to the German press, the visually impaired athlete revealed that the medal ceremony felt completely strange.
“That it is so totally overshadowed by politics is simply a complete shame,” Kazmaier said.
She explained the decision to leave their hats on and turn away was a deliberate choice to withhold support for the competing nation.
Baumann added that the silent demonstration was intended to show solidarity with Ukrainians, echoing similar interactions they shared during the Beijing Games four years ago.
“It’s not about the Russian athletes themselves, but the IPC’s decision to have Russia here under their flag, with their anthem and their full contingent in attendance, while the Ukrainians are also here, I find simply not correct,” stated the German guide.
The pair also reportedly refused to participate in the traditional medallists’ selfie following the ceremony.
Background to Paralympic reinstatement
Russian competitors are participating under their own flag at a Paralympics for the first time since 2014.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) officially lifted its suspension of the country in September.
The nation had previously faced extensive bans due to a state-sponsored doping scandal, which were subsequently extended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
A total of six Russian athletes and four from allied Belarus are currently competing at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics.
This controversial reinstatement previously prompted teams from seven countries, including Ukraine, to boycott Friday’s opening ceremony in Verona.
The IPC has confirmed to BBC Sport that it is aware of Tuesday’s podium protest and is currently gathering evidence on the matter.
