Russian and Belarusian swimmers will be able to compete on the international stage again without restrictions in the future. The World Aquatics Association announced this on Monday.
Accordingly, athletes from the two countries are allowed to “participate in the same way as their counterparts representing other sporting nationalities, with their respective jerseys, flags and anthems”the statement said.
Over the past three years, World Aquatics and the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) “successfully contributed to keeping conflicts away from sports competition venues” said world association president Husain Al Musallam: “We are committed to ensuring that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition.“
Anti-doping controls remain a requirement
After the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Russians and Belarusians were able to compete again as neutral athletes from 2023, and this regulation later also applied to teams.
According to the world body, athletes will now only be allowed to compete again after they have successfully passed at least four consecutive anti-doping tests carried out in collaboration with the International Testing Agency (ITA) and completed background checks by the AQIU.
Competitions are also allowed again in Russia
World Aquatics also announced that Russia and Belarus would now again receive full membership rights in accordance with Article 6 of the statutes. This includes, among other things, the opportunity to apply to host events.
