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.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
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 every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
