AFP - Russia have emerged as the dominant force at the Paralympics nordic and biathlon events, converting their big-budget investment into an impressive medal haul.

Up to Friday, and with three more full days left at the 2010 Games, Russia had collected 16 medals - of which five were gold - in biathlon and 12 in the nordic events, with four titles.

That is more than the next two nations combined with Ukraine on four titles and 15 medals in total while Germany have five gold and eight medals in all.

Russia's dominance has been typified by the performance of Irek Zaripov who has won four gold in four events.

"The Russians are incredible," said Stephane Passeron, the coach of the French team.

"They were already a big country and compared to other nations, they have huge budgets."

Vladimir Loukine, the president of the Russian Paralympic Committee, said that his country's successes should act as an example to others.

"I am very happy with the medals. I admire the athletes. They have such difficulties and have suffered. Our desire is to show that everything is possible," said Loukine.

He added that Russian athletes' success is the "aim of the state and sponsors who help them train or provide an education".

"When they join the team, they become almost professional."

Russia will host the next Winter Olympics and Paralympics at Sochi in 2014 and their efforts in Vancouver will boost hopes of another dominant display on home ground.

With three days left in the 2010 edition, Russia could improve on their total medal count from Turin in 2006 when they captured 33 medals.

Going into Friday's action, they had 28.