Paralympian Pavel Bal, who won medals at the Summer and Winter Paralympics for the first time in the history of Ukraine, spoke about the presence of Russians at the 2026 Games.

On the last day of the 2026 Paralympics, Bal became fourth in the 20 km ski race in the sitting class, behind the Russian:.

“What’s worse: being fourth or being on the podium with a Russian? Fuck those Russians, they're already sick of them. Russians, Russians - what, because of them I shouldn’t take a medal? Yes, I didn’t care about them. I would be third - a flag in my hands: I went, took my medal and sent him to hell. I don’t care what, because of him I won’t get a medal? We need to take more. Today it didn’t work out,” Bal said after the race in a commentary for Suspilne Sport.

Let us remind you that yesterday, March 14, 39-year-old Bal, as part of the Ukrainian national team, won silver in the mixed relay in cross-country skiing.

He became the first Ukrainian in history to win medals at the Summer and Winter Paralympics. Prior to this, Pavel became a bronze medalist at the 2024 Games in Paris, competing in handbike.

The Ukrainian team won 19 medals at the 2026 Paralympics - 3 gold, 8 silver and 8 bronze.

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Earlier it was reported that a Russian athlete dedicated a 2026 Paralympic medal to Putin.