Russia's Petushkov Takes Third Sochi Gold With Biathlon Win

By RIA Novosti

March 12, 2014

Russia's Roman Petushkov celebrates his victory in the 12.5-kilometer sitting biathlon. Maxim Bogodvid / RIA Novosti

KRASNAYA POLYANA — Russia's Roman Petushkov claimed his third gold medal at the Sochi Paralympic Games on Tuesday, leading a host-nation podium sweep in the biathlon 12.5-kilometer sitting event.

Despite thick fog at the Laura Biathlon and Ski Complex, the 36-year-old did not miss any of his 20 shots and beat second-placed compatriot Alexei Bychenok by 40.9 seconds.

It was the first Paralympic medal for 27-year-old Muscovite Bychenok, and also for 18-year-old Russian Grigory Murygin, who took bronze.

The Russians are traditionally strong in the 12.5-kilometer sitting biathlon event, winning every single medal on offer since it was introduced in Turin in 2006.

Petushkov also triumphed in the 7.5-kilometer biathlon event on Saturday and the 15-kilometer cross-country skiing race Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Germany's Anja Wicker emerged victorious in the women's 10-kilometer sitting biathlon competition.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue