Russia, Belarus swimmers cleared to compete with flags and anthems as World Aquatics lifts ban

World Aquatics has announced that it has lifted sanctions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under their national flags and anthems.

“Following a decision by the World Aquatics Bureau, and in consultation with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics Athletes’ Committee, the Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During a Period of Political Conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sporting nationality,” the sport’s governing body said in a statement published on its official website.

“Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sporting nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same manner as their counterparts representing other nationalities, including the use of their respective uniforms, flags, and anthems,” it added.

The body also stated that athletes from Russia and Belarus will only be eligible to compete after successfully passing at least four consecutive anti-doping tests conducted in partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA), along with completing background checks by the AQIU.

The World Aquatics Bureau had earlier amended the guidelines, implemented by the AQIU, to allow junior athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate on equal terms with their peers.

“Over the last three years, World Aquatics and the AQIU have successfully ensured that conflict remains outside sporting venues. We are committed to keeping pools and open water arenas as spaces where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam.

Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarev, welcomed the decision on the same day.

“We welcome World Aquatics’ decision to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes to all international aquatic competitions on an equal footing with others, allowing them to compete in national uniforms, under their flags and anthems,” Degtyarev said.

Under Article 6 of the World Aquatics Constitution, Russia and Belarus have also fully regained their membership rights.