Overview
- Linn Kazmaier and guide Florian Baumann faced away during the anthem, kept their hats on, and declined the customary photo after finishing second behind Russia in the visually impaired cross-country sprint in Tesero.
- Teammate Leonie Walter was demoted from runner-up to last in the final for a guide’s skating-style step counted as a technique violation; Germany’s protest was rejected and Kazmaier inherited silver, her first Paralympic medal.
- The Russian flag and anthem returned to Paralympic podiums, with Anastasija Bagiian’s win prompting the ceremony in question a day after Warwara Worontschichina’s alpine gold also triggered the anthem.
- Ukrainian biathlete and skier Oksana Schischkowa condemned having to race alongside Russians, noting daily casualties in Ukraine and saying her brother was wounded in the war and underwent an amputation.
- Several delegations, including Germany, skipped the opening ceremony in protest after the IPC lifted restrictions last autumn, and competitions in Milan–Cortina continue under heightened political scrutiny.