Russian swimmers, divers, and water polo players have been granted permission by the World Aquatics governing body to participate in competitions with their national flag and anthem, without any restrictions. This decision signifies a significant change in the treatment of Russia in the world of sports leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and has elicited criticism from Ukraine.
World Aquatics announced on Monday that it would eliminate the previous requirements for Russian and Belarusian athletes to undergo vetting and compete under a neutral status. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both countries were excluded from World Aquatics events like the world championships. However, the governing body later allowed limited participation as neutrals before gradually relaxing the rules.
In a statement, World Aquatics declared that senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian nationality can now compete in their events alongside athletes from other nations, wearing their respective uniforms and displaying their flags and anthems. This change in policy also extends to junior athletes, as previously relaxed rules have now been applied to all competitors.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for athletes from all countries to compete in aquatic sports. While other sports bodies have reinstated Russia in full, such as judo and taekwondo, the decision by World Aquatics carries greater significance due to the sport’s prominence.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov expressed gratitude towards Al Musallam for his stance on the matter, highlighting their discussions in January. He emphasized the significance of international dialogue in facilitating the restoration of sporting relationships.
In response to the decision, Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, strongly criticized the move, stating that sport should be based on fair rules and respect for life. Ukraine had previously opposed the return of Russian athletes to competition and boycotted Paralympic ceremonies where Russians competed under their national flag.
In a recent incident, Ukraine’s men’s water polo team forfeited a scheduled game against a team of Russians in Malta, resulting in a 5-0 win for the Russian team by default. Ukrainian media reported that the boycott was a protest against the involvement of the Russian team, designated as “Neutral Athletes B,” in any capacity.
World Aquatics has mandated that Russian and Belarusian athletes undergo four anti-doping tests and background checks before competing in its events following the recent decision. While the ruling currently applies only to World Aquatics events, it could potentially influence a broader acceptance of Russian athletes in senior competitions leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee has not yet issued a response to inquiries regarding the decision. In December, the IOC recommended lifting restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes for international youth events, allowing them to compete under their national flags. However, neutral requirements still apply to senior competitions, as evidenced by the classification of Russians and Belarusians as “Individual Neutral Athletes” at the recent Winter Olympics.