Ukrainian Athletes Sweep the Podium at Beijing Winter Paralympics, Finishing Second in Medal Count

Their stellar performance at the Winter Games inspired Ukrainians at home and supporters abroad

Flag bearer Vitalii Lukianenko of Team Ukraine waves their countries flag during the Closing Ceremony on day nine of the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics at Beijing National Stadium in Beijing, China, on March 13, 2022. Yifan Ding/Getty Images for International Paralympic Committee

Ukrainian Paralympic athletes have pushed through their fears and won their biggest haul of gold medals in Beijing as a crisis unfolds at home.

The 2022 Winter Paralympic Games just ended in Beijing. The Ukrainian team stole the show by finishing second in the medal count, winning a record 29 medals, including 11 golds. Ukraine had only sent 20 athletes to the event, while China sent 96 athletes.