MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Russian Paralympians at the Paris 2024 Games have demonstrated that sanctions and restrictions cannot break their spirit, said Andrey Vdovin, a two-time gold medalist in track and field athletics at the 2024 Games, during the state awards ceremony for the Russian Paralympic team.
"Despite all the restrictions and sanctions, we have proven to everyone that we cannot be broken and that our potential is limitless," Vdovin said. "I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas," he added.
The athlete expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his support and attention to the development of Paralympic sports in Russia. "Receiving these awards today, we understand that we have earned the highest recognition for our achievements. However, none of this would have been possible without our coaches," Vdovin said. "For many people with disabilities, a coach is more than just a trainer - they are someone who assists with everyday needs, such as going to the canteen or the restroom. Therefore, we all hope that they will also receive the recognition they deserve."
The 17th Paralympic Games in Paris took place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, with 88 Russian athletes competing in five sports: athletics, swimming, triathlon, table tennis, and taekwondo. Russian Paralympians were permitted to compete only under a neutral status, with their medals not being counted in the overall medal tally. Despite this, they won 64 medals in the French capital - 20 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze - which would have placed them eighth in the medal standings.