World Gymnastics lifts all sanctions on Russian, Belarusian athletes

World Gymnastics Lifts All Sanctions on Russian and Belarusian Athletes

The International Gymnastics Federation, known as World Gymnastics, has removed all restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to compete under their national flags and anthems at all international gymnastics events. The decision, taken by the federation’s executive committee at a meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh on May 16–17, takes immediate effect and covers all five disciplines: artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, sports acrobatics, and aerobic gymnastics.meduza

Beyond IOC Recommendations

The move goes further than recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee, which on May 6 lifted its ban on Belarusian athletes but maintained restrictions on Russia. The IOC’s executive board said it “no longer recommends any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes and teams,” while Russian competitors must still participate as neutrals without national symbols at Olympic events.inquirer

World Gymnastics made no such distinction, reinstating both countries fully. According to Russian state sports outlet TASS, as cited by Yahoo Sports, the Russian Gymnastics Federation confirmed its athletes are now authorized to compete in national uniforms with flags and anthems. Sports acrobatics athletes will be the first to compete under the Russian flag at a World Cup stage scheduled for May 29–31 in Burgas, Bulgaria.yahoo

Growing Trend Amid Backlash

The decision places gymnastics alongside a growing list of sports federations that have fully reinstated Russia and Belarus. World Aquatics lifted all restrictions in April, permitting athletes to compete with national symbols across swimming, diving, artistic swimming, high diving, and water polo — a move that prompted Norway, Poland, and Finland to refuse to host events. European Aquatics has requested a delay in implementation until September.yahoo

Not all federations have followed suit. World Athletics rejected the IOC’s recommendation on Belarus, stating that sanctions “remain in effect” until there is “significant progress towards peace negotiations.”bbc

Ukraine has condemned the gymnastics federation’s decision. The restrictions had been in place since February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian gymnasts were initially banned outright before being permitted to compete under neutral status starting in 2024.united24media

Road to Los Angeles

The reinstatement carries particular weight as qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begins this summer. The IOC still bars Russian athletes from competing under national symbols at the Games, meaning gymnasts qualifying through FIG events under the Russian flag may face different conditions at the Olympics themselves. The Russian Olympic Committee remains suspended over its absorption of sports organizations in occupied Ukrainian territories.youtube