World Gymnastics Lifts Restrictions on Russians and Belarusians

World Gymnastics on Monday lifted restrictions imposed on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts competing after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, announcing that the executive committee decided at its weekend meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to lift the restrictions with immediate effect. The decision means gymnasts from both nations are free to return to competition under their own flags and with their anthems rather than appearing as neutrals. 

They can also compete as teams rather than as individuals, and the stipulations that they should not have actively supported the war in Ukraine nor been under contract with the army or security service have been dropped. World Gymnastics did not offer any justification for the decision in its brief press statement.

The move is out of line with recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee, which earlier this month advised international federations to reinstate Belarusians but not Russians. The door is now open for Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 

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Judo and swimming have also voted for the full reinstatement of the two countries, while boxing limited itself to following the IOC by lifting only the restrictions on Belarusians. Other organisations, like the International Figure Skating Federation and World Athletics, continue to exclude both countries entirely from their competitions.