In Sochi, Russian sit-skier Roman Petushkov became the first ever athlete to win six gold medals at a Paralympic Winter Games. In biathlon, the 36-year-old won the men’s 7.5km, 12.5km and 15km races and in cross-country he took gold in the men’s 1km sprint, 15km and 4x2.5km open relay.
In February 2006, he had been involved in a car accident which resulted in both legs being amputated. According to doctors, there was minimal chance of survival, but he pulled through and immediately took up winter sports. He won silver and bronze medals at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games before his tour de force in Sochi.
