World Aquatics, the international governing body for aquatic sports such as swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo, has reversed its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes. This prohibition had been in effect since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Athletes from these nations will now be permitted to represent their respective countries, featuring official uniforms and flags, and have their national anthems played. This reinstatement is contingent upon athletes successfully passing at least four consecutive anti-doping tests and undergoing background checks. Consequently, Russia and Belarus will regain their full membership rights and will be eligible to participate in official championships, including the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
World Aquatics President, Husain Al Musallam, stated that the organization, in conjunction with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU), has strived over the past three years to “ensure that conflicts can be kept out of sports competition venues.” He emphasized the commitment to maintaining pools and open waters as spaces where athletes from all nations can gather for peaceful competition.
While Russian and Belarusian athletes were previously allowed to compete as neutral participants, similar to other international events like the Olympic Games, this new decision effectively restores the pre-invasion status quo. This move has drawn strong objections from the Ukrainian government and its swimming federation. Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Matvii Bidnyi, condemned the decision, stating, “This decision devalues the memory of more than 650 Ukrainian athletes who will never again participate in competitions, precisely because of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.”