World Aquatics has decided to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flag and anthem for the first time since 2022, sparking joy in Russia and outrage in Ukraine. The decision, which also covers diving and water polo, adds momentum to Russia's bid for a return to the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
Ukrainian athletes reacted with disbelief, with skeleton star Vladyslav Heraskevych calling the move 'unacceptable and disgraceful'. He criticised World Aquatics for ignoring the war, noting that Ukrainian sports facilities are being struck by Russian missiles and that Russian athletes who support the war, like Evgeny Rylov who wore a 'Z' symbol at a rally, are being allowed to compete.
World Aquatics president Husain al-Musallam said the organisation is 'determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition'. Russia welcomed the decision, with Dmitry Mazepin, head of the Russian Aquatics Federation, stating that competing as a neutral was 'an insult'.
The decision came on the same day Ukraine's water polo team boycotted a World Cup match against a Russian team competing as neutrals. This is the first time a Russian team has participated in an international team-sport competition since the war began in 2022.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is now under scrutiny, having recommended in December removing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes for international youth events. The International Paralympic Committee allowed Russians to compete under their own flag and anthem at their Games in March.
