Svirydzenka crowned Paralympic champion in Italy

Belarusian Raman Svirydzenka has claimed gold medal at the XIV Winter Paralympic Games in Italy.

Competing in the LW4 category, Svirydzenka clocked 2:35.4 to take gold, outpacing Germany’s Sebastian Marburger and France’s Benjamin Daviet.

Belarusian athletes Lidziya Loban and Valiantsina Biryla took part in the semifinals among sitting athletes (LW10-LW12 classes). Both Belarusians competed in the same semifinal, ultimately finishing 4th and 6th respectively, with only the top three advancing. In the final standings, Loban placed seventh while Biryla finished 12th.

“I’m extremely happy. I fell during the qualification and was lucky to even make it through. But the final went perfectly. I had a gut feeling I would win, even though the nerves never go away.

Our team here at the Paralympics is really close. There are not so many of us, so it’s easier. I’m so happy that for the first time since the suspension, the Belarusian anthem will be played and our flag raised at the Paralympics. This is pure happiness.

Thank you to all our fans. We feel their warm support.”

Notably, back in 2018 at the PyeongChang Paralympics, Sviatlana Sakhanenka from Novopolotsk claimed three gold medals in cross-country skiing and a bronze in biathlon.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus

Photos by SB. Belarus Segodnya