World Aquatics has lifted the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes using their national flags and anthems during international competitions. The decision, announced Monday, ends the restrictions imposed on the two nations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Since September 2023, athletes from Russia and Belarus have been required to compete as neutrals. The new guidelines allow senior athletes with Russian or Belarusian nationality to participate in World Aquatics events with their respective uniforms, flags, and anthems.
World Aquatics stated that the decision followed consultations with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics athletes’ committee. The governing body's statement confirmed that the previous guidelines regarding participation during political conflict no longer apply to these senior athletes.
Anti-doping requirements
Participation remains subject to strict testing protocols. Athletes from Russia and Belarus must successfully pass at least four consecutive anti-doping controls to be eligible for competition.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam emphasized the organization's commitment to neutrality and inclusion. “We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition,” Al Musallam said.
This policy aligns World Aquatics with the International Paralympic Committee. The IPC previously allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to use their national symbols at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina.
The shift in policy follows a period of tension regarding national identity in sports. Recently, Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Olympic Winter Games for wearing a helmet that commemorated athletes killed during the war.
The next major test for these athletes will be the World Aquatics Championships, scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, in 2027.
