Ban on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts fully lifted

Following the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian and Belarusian gymnasts were banned from international competition. Now, a little over four years later, the ban on both these countries has been lifted, and both Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete under their national flag and anthem. 

World Gymnastics officially stated 

“The EC has decided to lift all restrictions applicable to Russian and Belarusian athletes with immediate effect. The FIG Ad-Hoc rules are therefore no longer in force.”

This applies to all gymnastics disciplines ruled by World Gymnastics. (Rhythmic gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, and trampoline) This decision comes after similar decisions from other sporting federations in the past few months.  

Additionally, the IOC recently announced that it no longer recommends restrictions on Belarusian athletes, encouraging all international federations to follow their example. Reinstating full rights for Belarusian athletes, including the flag and national anthem. 

The general response in the past few years has been mixed, with many federations banning Russian and Belarusian athletes, some restricting them to AIN (Authorized Neutral Athlete) status, and others not restricting athletes at all. 

For example, World Athletics stated that is still fully supports the ban, which eliminates the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, maintaining their decision that the restriction will not be lifted until there are “tangible movements towards peace negotiations.”  

In the end, no single organisation has control over all sporting federations, and each will likely continue to make its own decisions. However, of course, the IOC’s recommendation is very influential and likely played a part in World Gymnastics decision to reinstate both Russian and Belarusian athletes.