Photo: EPA
World Aquatics has lifted all restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus.
Representatives of both countries will no longer need to undergo the procedure to obtain neutral status. According to the organization’s official website, they are now allowed to compete under their national flags and anthems.
Both countries will be represented on equal terms with other participants, without the use of neutral status. World Aquatics described this move as a logical continuation of the gradual lifting of sanctions, which had already begun at the junior level.
“Over the past three years, World Aquatics has successfully ensured that conflicts remain outside sports venues. We are committed to keeping pools and open water competitions places where athletes from all countries can compete peacefully,” said federation president Husain Al Musallam.
Russia and Belarus have also been reinstated as full members of World Aquatics. However, a mandatory condition for participation remains four doping tests.
It is worth noting that athletes from both countries had already been allowed to compete in team events under a neutral status since January 1.
