There were a lot of things that happened at the 2022 Paralympic Games, from history-making performances to emotional moments that transcended sports and one very adorable, medal-winning dog. It would be difficult to list all of the incredible athletes and achievements that transpired over the past two weeks, but here are a few moments to remember. During the Russian invasion of the country, the Games were a chance for the Ukrainians to show their pride and hope. They did that and more. Valeriy Sushkevych, president of the Ukrainian Paralympics committee, said it was a miracle that the athletes were able to be there. Sushkevych said that a superpower wants to destroy his country. It is a sign thatUkraine will remain a country. It is a matter of principle to be here, it is a symbol to show that Ukraine is alive. The country won seven medals on the first day. It finished in second place in the overall medal count with 29 and recorded three podium sweeps in biathlon events. Iryna Bui, who won a gold medal in the women's 10 kilometers standing biathlon competition, said that they would like to dedicate their results and medals to the soldiers in the Ukrainian army. 'Peace for Ukraine': Ukrainian Paralympian athletes appeal for peace with chants and banners at the Beijing #Paralympics https://t.co/CMQr7bcY1D pic.twitter.com/U1lg0oYAFw Oksana Masters is worthy of the title of GOAT, and it gets thrown around a lot in sports. He won seven medals in Beijing in biathlon and cross-country events for a total of 16 medals across the Winter and Summer Games. She earned the distinction of the most medals by a Paralympian in a single Winter Games in history, and now has the most podium appearances ever by an American Paralympian. She won her final medal in Beijing on Sunday during the cross-country mixed relay. "WE DID IT!"@OksanaMasters is HYPED after winning gold in cross-country skiing mixed relay with her teammates. #WinterParalympics 📺 @USA_Network and @peacockTV 💻 https://t.co/ZFrB1c0sJq pic.twitter.com/hXE8BsKQ38The strength of the Ukrainian athletes
The ultimate champion
Masters was adopted from an orphanage when he was seven years old and was brought to the United States. She said she was proud to represent both countries during the Games and knew her participation at the event was more significant than her individual goals.
Masters wrote that he would be racing for the families and kids in Ukraine with disabilities. I want to make sure no child is forgotten.
There was room on the podium for an extra participant to celebrate with the bronze medal winning cross-country skier and her guide.
Edlinger was presented with a medal of his own by Riley, his adorable canine companion.
There's one more medalist on this podium!
When Austria's Carina Edlinger and her guide Josef Lorenz were awarded their Paralympic bronze medals, Edlinger took out a medal from her pocket to give to her guide dog, Riley.@Paralympics | #WinterParalympics pic.twitter.com/2zRoOqP9Gi
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) March 13, 2022
Edlinger was grateful that Riley was able to make the trip despite having to fight for permission. Edlinger paid tribute to Riley, and his sudden-superstar status, in an interview with the Austrian Paralympic Committee after she and Lampl won the gold in the vision impaired sprint.
She said that she would not have flown without him. It paid off.
He is more famous in the Paralympics Village than the Chinese President, as every volunteer has taken a selfies with him. Everyone waves to him and shouts after him. I used to be number two.
The life of Riley.
Tyler Carter, an American Alpine skier, said it would be his third and final Paralympics. His teammates made sure to say goodbye to him.
The skier was named a flag-bearer for the opening ceremonies along with fellow skier Danelle Umstead, and both were overwhelmed with emotion when they heard the news.
What's better than finding out you're Team USA's flag bearers for #OpeningCeremony at the #WinterParalympics?
Finding out you're the flag bearer with your @USParaAlpineSki teammate.@DanelleUmstead x @tcski2014 pic.twitter.com/OQJSroobPw
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) March 2, 2022
Carter, who competed in the downhill, giant slalom, super-G and super combined in Beijing, couldn't hide his feelings as the end of his competitive career neared.
We're not crying, you're crying!@tcski2014 shares his thoughts and feelings as he prepares to call it a wrap on his Paralympic career.
💙❤️🤍 #CaptainAmerica
🗞️ more here: https://t.co/aODIpWZWkU#WinterParalympics #ShowTheWorld @TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/WCyAhE8u6m
— U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing (@USParaAlpineSki) March 8, 2022
He was really emotional after his final race. He processed and celebrated his retirement with some ice cream found in the Paralympics Village.
There are a lot of successful siblings in sports, including Serena and Venus Williams, Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, and after the Paralympics, Veronika, Elisabeth, Barbara and Johannes Aigner of Austria should be included on every list.
Veronika and her guide, Elisabeth, won gold and Barbara and her guide, Klara, won bronze during the vision impaired giant slalom. Half of the athletes on the podium had the Aigner surname.
Veronika and Elisabeth won the gold and Barbara and Sykora the silver in the vision impaired slalom race, just days after the sisters won the gold and silver in the Paralympics.
"I cried at the flower ceremony because I am so happy to win with my sisters," said Elisabeth.
Something special for the Aigner family album....
Barbara, and guide Klara Sykora, along with Veronika and guide Elisabeth show off their prizes 🏅😃⛷️🇦🇹 #Beijing2022 #WinterParalympics @NPC_Austria #ParaAlpine pic.twitter.com/5XZCXmaBcT
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) March 12, 2022
Johannes did well for himself in Beijing, earning five medals, including two golds.
Barbara said the Aigners were not done.
She said after securing her second medal that it was very special.
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