The Russian paralympic team won the most gold medals on the first day of competitions Saturday in Canada, in stark contrast with the recent disappointing results of the country's regular Olympians.
Russians won a total of eight medals — three of them golds — beating out their rivals in the biathlon. The other medals were three silvers and two bronzes.
Ukraine came in second with five medals, including two golds, while Germany finished third with one gold medal.
Russian Olympians bagged a mere three top prizes and 12 other medals during the Winter Olympics in Canada last month, earning some of the worst rankings in the past 50 years.
“We will now compete to make up for them,” said paralympian Kirill Mikhailov, who won one of the golds Saturday, RIA-Novosti reported.
Russia's paralympic team was also first at the last Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
In Canada, they are scheduled — weather permitting — to take part in six further medal events, such as cross-country skiing and alpine skiing, which are separate for men and women of various disabilities.
The Russian Paralympic Committee did not name any of the Russian contenders as “favorites” in the Sunday races, according to a statement on its website.
Russian athletes will not participate in the other two paralympic sports of wheelchair curling and ice sledge hockey.
Russia sent 32 athletes to compete in the games, which end March 21. A total of more than 1,300 athletes from 44 countries are attending the event.
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