The International Gymnastics Federation’s Executive Committee has permitted Russian athletes to compete in international events with their national flag and anthem, as announced by the Russian Gymnastics Federation (FGR).
This decision affects all five disciplines under the FGR: artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, sports acrobatics, and sports aerobics.
Oleg Belozerov, President of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, expressed gratitude to Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation, for supporting open international sports. He believes allowing Russian athletes to compete with national symbols is crucial for unifying the global gymnastics community.
Sports acrobatics athletes will be the first to compete under these new rules, participating in the World Cup stages in Bulgaria and Azerbaijan in May and June. Aerobics competitions will take place in the World Cup stages in Azerbaijan and China in June, with the World Championship in Spain in September.
Russian trampoline athletes will compete in the World Cup stages in Switzerland and Portugal in June and July. Rhythmic gymnastics events are set for late June in Romania, in July in Milan, and the World Championship in Germany in August. Additionally, Russian gymnasts will participate in the World Championship in the Netherlands in October.
In 2022, the International Gymnastics Federation suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions. Starting in 2024, they were allowed to compete under a neutral status.
On May 7, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee maintained the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and sanctions against Russian athletes. However, it lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes, including bans on team competitions and hosting international tournaments.
Leave a Reply