Russian & Belarusian swimmers can return to international competition as neutrals

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the sport’s regulatory body had prohibited athletes from both countries.

Athletes will only be permitted to participate in specific competitions and will need to demonstrate their opposition to the war.

To compete, they will also need to fulfill additional requirements.

Husain Al-Musallam, president of World Aquatics, stated: “Despite the difficulties we encounter on the global arena.

We acknowledge our duty to provide a competitive, equitable, and inclusive environment for every participant.”

All water polo competitions, synchronized diving events, swimming relays, and artistic swimming events are off limits to anyone who applies to return under a neutral banner.

Russian & Belarusian swimmers can return

Athletes from Russia and Belarus are only permitte to compete in one athlete per event at World Aquatics competitions like World Cups and World Championships.

Strong anti-doping regulations and the need that neutral athletes wear uniforms that are simply white are further safeguards.

All World Aquatics competitions will also forbid the use of any recognizable national symbols for either Russia or Belarus.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommend to Russian & Belarusian swimmers can return federations in March that Russian and Belarusian athletes be permitte to compete under a neutral flag.

But the IOC has not yet made a final decision on whether the two nations’ athletes will be permitte. To compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Paris.

World Aquatics will host three World Cup competitions in Russian & Belarusian swimmers can return October in Berlin, Athens, and Budapest. The World Championships, an Olympic qualifying event, will follow in February in Doha, Qatar.

Russian and Belarusian athletes were subject to restrictions.

In international competitions as of my most recent information update in September 2021. Because of a variety of problems and issues, including doping infractions and political turmoil.

In order to preserve the integrity of sports and advance fair competition, these limitations have been put in place.

By international athletic organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

International sports, however, are subject to quick change. And choices about the participation of athletes from particular nations may change over time.

After my last post, it’s probable that Russian and Belarusian swimmers have been permitte to participate in international competitions as neutrals. But I lack access to real-time information to confirm any changes beyond that.

I advise consulting trustworthy news sources or going to the official websites of pertinent international sports governing bodies.

Such as FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) for Russian & Belarusian swimmers can return. To get the most recent information on the eligibility of Russian and Belarusian swimmers in international competitions.