World Aquatics has decided to allow Russian and Belarusian swimmers to compete without restrictions and under their own flags, and the national anthems of Russia and Belarus are allowed at international competitions organized by World Aquatics. A prerequisite for competing is that swimmers have passed four consecutive doping controls conducted by the International Testing Agency, and they must still undergo a form of background check. Over 700 such background checks on Russian and Belarusian swimmers have been conducted by the World Aquatics integrity unit in recent years.
The Swedish Swimming Federation strongly opposes the decision. According to Sportbladet, the decision came as a shock to the Swedish Swimming Federation, which does not support the decision in any way. The Swedish Swimming Federation holds the view that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be allowed to compete at all, and is critical because sport is part of Russia's propaganda machinery.
International reactions to the decision are divided. According to multiple reports, Ukrainian athletes greeted the news with disbelief, while Russia immediately welcomed it.
This move adds further momentum to Russia's bid to be allowed back in time for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. World Aquatics has previously eased the rules for juniors, and Russian and Belarusian athletes are now also permitted to stage world and European events.
Recent events highlight ongoing tensions in international sports. World Aquatics' decision came on the day that Ukraine's water polo players boycotted a World Cup match against a Russian team competing as neutral athletes. That tournament is the first time a Russian team has participated in an international team-sport competition since the war began in 2022.
This decision contrasts with approaches by other international bodies. The International Olympic Committee in December recommended removing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes for international youth events and letting them compete under national flags. However, the IOC required Russians to compete as neutral athletes at the Winter Olympics in February. The International Paralympic Committee took a different tack and allowed Russian athletes to compete.