Swimming: International Federation supports return of Russians to competitions

World Aquatics (International Swimming Federation) supported the recommendation made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week for Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competitions. This Wednesday (5), the entity approved the creation of a task force that will establish rules and guidelines so that athletes from both countries can participate individually as neutral in future aquatic events. According to the entity, the group will be formed by athletes and representatives of the modality. The estimate is that the conclusions will form part of a report to be presented in July this year. The ban on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in World Aquatics events – including the Budapest World Cup in 2022 – began to take effect in March last year, as a result of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine. Even though it is in favor of the IOC’s recommendation, the entity stressed that it will continue to support and commit to Ukrainian aquatic athletes. In addition to World Aquatics, World Taekwondo has also agreed to follow the IOC recommendation to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions, provided they compete under a neutral flag. The first event with their participation will be the World Taekwondo at the end of May, in Baku (Azerbaijan). The IOC’s set of recommendations to international federations aims to enable Russians and Belarusians to gradually return to the world sporting scene, with a view to the race for a place in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The entity has established some requirements so that they can compete as neutral athletes : not having actively supported the war and cannot be hired from military institutions or security agency. Athletes will also have to undertake not to make reference to their own countries in competition venues, either through anthems or wearing uniforms with the colors of the Russian and Belarusian flags. Despite the recommendation, the IOC has not yet defined whether athletes with passports from Russia and Belarus will be able to compete in the Summer Olympics in Paris (2024) and Winter Games in Italy (2026). The organization says it will decide “at an appropriate time”.

Agência Brasil