Athletes from Russia competing under a neutral flag won the country’s first gold medal at the Winter Olympics when 15-year old figure skater Alina Zagitova claimed gold Friday morning.
The win follows controversy surrounding Alexander Krushelnitsky, who was stripped of his bronze medal in mixed doubles curling on Thursday after testing positive for meldonium.
The women’s figure-skating silver went to another Russian, Yevgenia Medvedeva, with bronze claimed by Kaetlyn Osmond from Canada.
This brings the total number of medals won by Russian athletes in Pyeongchang to 14.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev congratulated the figure skaters on Twitter.
Russia is set to face off the Czech Republic later on Friday in the men’s ice hockey semi-finals.
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.
