The World Swimming Championships in Qatar (February 2-8, 2024) will take place without Russian athletes. No so-called independent neutral athletes of Russian origin, like the world association, are registered for the competitions World Aquatics confirmed by the German Press Agency on Wednesday (January 17, 2024).
In contrast, four swimmers and one synchronized swimmer are registered as independent, neutral athletes who had previously competed for Belarus. World Aquatics did not release their names. The registration deadline for athletes for the title fights in Doha has already expired.
Participation only under special circumstances requirements possible
Last September, World Aquatics decided to readmit the athletes from Russia and Belarus, who had previously been excluded because of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, as neutral athletes under certain criteria. The criteria include: no active support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, no playing of the anthems, no presentation of the national flags and certain anti-doping measures. In addition, only one athlete from Russia and Belarus is allowed to start in a competition.
Individual athletes from Russia and Belarus will also be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games next summer in Paris under certain conditions.