Swimming: Russian and Belarussian Athletes
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that World Aquatics, the global governing body of swimming, has lifted the ban on Russian and Belarussian athletes competing in their senior events, after they were only allowed to do so as neutrals following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022.
Since December 2025, however, athletes from these countries have been allowed to compete in junior events, following a recommendation, which was made at the International Olympic Committee summit for sports held in June 2025, that sports bodies should consider readmitting junior athletes.
Announcing the new rules, World Aquatics issued the following statement:
"Following a decision of the World Aquatics Bureau, and in consultation with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics Athletes' Committee, the Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During a Period of Political Conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality.
Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."
Husain Al Musallam, the President of World Aquatics, stated:
"We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition."
However, Matvii Bidnyi, the Ukraine Sports Minister, has described the new rules as "irresponsible".
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