Belarus’ Svirydzenka wraps up Paralympics with gold, silver and a hunger for more

MINSK, Mar 18 (BelTA/APP): Belarusian skier Raman Svirydzenka shared his feelings after arriving back from Italy, where he became a champion of the 14th Winter Paralympic Games, BelTA has learned.

At the Paralympics, Raman Svirydzenka competed in the LW2-LW9 categories (standing athletes with limb impairments) and won gold in the sprint and silver in the 10km interval start classic race. The Belarusian anthem played for the 21-year-old from Novopolotsk at the ski stadium in Tesero – the first time it had been heard at the quadrennial’s main stages since 2021 due to restrictions.

“I felt amazing, I was so happy to become a champion in my very first race at the Paralympics. The race where I came second was actually tougher than the one I won. But the main thing is that all the hard work paid off. I want to be an example for people with disabilities,” Raman Svirydzenka said. “The competition in Italy was very tough. After all, this is the main tournament of the cycle, there could be no weak opponents here. These medals will definitely motivate me even more. Since I didn’t bring home three golds, it means there is room for improvement. But right now, I just want to rest, because recovery is a key part of training as well.”

Raman Svirydzenka’s medals were the only ones for the Belarusian delegation in Italy. Earlier this season, the Belarusian also claimed victory at a World Cup stage in Germany. In total, more than 600 athletes from 55 countries took part in the Winter Paralympics. Belarus was also represented by skiers Lidziya Loban, Valiantsina Biryla and Darya Fedzkovich.