Summary
Russian and Belarusian athletes can now compete under their national flags in international swimming events. This change comes after World Aquatics lifted the previous ban due to the conflict in Ukraine. Athletes from these countries must still pass anti-doping tests to compete.
Key Facts
- World Aquatics ended a ban allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with their national flags.
- The original ban was imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
- The athletes were previously competing as neutrals since September 2023.
- World Aquatics made this decision in consultation with its integrity unit and athletes' committee.
- Athletes must pass four consecutive anti-doping tests to be eligible to compete.
- World Aquatics wants sports to be a peaceful unifying platform for athletes globally.
- The International Paralympic Committee also allows these athletes to use their flags at future events.
- The next world swimming championships will take place in Budapest, Hungary, in 2027.
