Russian athletes from PyeongChang Games return home

World
Europe

Russian athletes have returned home from the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Hundreds of fans, relatives, and Olympic Committee officials gathered at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow to welcome them home. Supporters carried Russian flags, took selfies with athletes and chanted “Russia, Russia, Russia!”

The Kremlin said their performance was “a success” in the medal standings. Overall, Russia took home two gold, six silver and nine bronze medals. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes to meet with the medalists later this week.

Young ladies hold the national flag to welcome Russian athletes returning from the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. /VCG Photo

The athletes were competing under a “neutral” banner, after a ban was placed on the country for systematic doping violations at previous Games in Sochi.

PyeongChang 2018 hasn’t been without its controversies for the Russian team.

Alexander Krushelnitsky was stripped of his bronze medal in the mixed doubles curling, after he tested positive for the banned drug meldonium.

Children welcome their heroes returning from the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. /VCG Photo‍

Bobsleigh pilot Nadezhda Sergeeva also failed a doping test, but denied taking a banned substance.

The International Olympic Committee have voted to lift Russia’s Olympic ban, if there are no more doping violations from the athletes who competed at PyeongChang 2018.

The International Paralympic Committee has now approved 30 Russian para-athletes.

They will also be competing as neutrals. The 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will be held from March 9 to 18 in PyeongChang.

5797km