German skiers turn backs on Russians at Paralympics
German cross-country skiers sparked controversy at the Winter Paralympics after turning their backs during a medal ceremony when Russian athletes stood on the top step of the podium.
The protest occurred after Russian competitors secured gold in the event, prompting the German team to visibly face away during the ceremony. The gesture was widely seen as a political statement linked to ongoing tensions surrounding Russia’s participation in international sport.
“We wanted to show our position in a peaceful way,” one German athlete said after the race.
Officials from the Russian team criticised the act, calling it “disrespectful to the spirit of sport.”
Paralympic organisers later reminded athletes that podium ceremonies are meant to celebrate sporting achievement, while the incident quickly drew global attention and debate across the winter sports community.