The Norwegian Swimming Federation has announced it will not host international championships as long as World Aquatics permits athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags. The decision, confirmed by federation president Cato Bratbakk, deepens a growing rift within the global swimming community.
World Aquatics last week lifted neutrality restrictions, allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in their national uniforms, flags, and anthems from 14 April. The governing body also reinstated full membership rights for both nations. Competitors from Russia and Belarus were initially banned following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
"Our position is clear. We will not host any championships as long as Russian and Belarusian senior and junior competitors have full access, entry rights, and are permitted to use their flags and national anthems," Mr Bratbakk said on Tuesday. Norway is now seeking a broader regional boycott, with plans to meet Nordic colleagues next week.
Poland took a similar decision last Friday. World Aquatics has not yet responded to a request for comment. The controversy follows the Winter Paralympics last month, where ten para-athletes from Russia and Belarus were allowed to compete under their own flags, prompting several nations to boycott the opening and closing ceremonies.
