Dhe World Gymnastics Federation FIG is maintaining the exclusion of sanctioned athletes from Russia and Belarus for the time being. Vasily Titov, President of the Russian Gymnastics and a member of the FIG Executive, told the state news agency Tass. The FIG itself then confirmed the surprising decision.
World Federation President Morinari Watanabe indicated for the FIG Executive Committee meeting on Friday and Saturday in Turkey that he would follow the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the reintegration of the suspended Russians and Belarusians. According to Titow, however, the committee could not agree on the criteria for the neutral status of the athletes.
“Definitely not there”
“Now we definitely won’t be at the World Cup,” said Valentina Rodionenko, head coach of the Russian team. According to Rodionenko, the decision, which will be discussed again at the next executive meeting in July, will also reduce the chances of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. A large number of starting places will be allocated at the World Championships in October in Antwerp.
The IOC has already postponed its decision on the right of the Russians and Belarusians to start at the summer games to a “suitable time”, but recommended that the world associations open their own competitions under certain conditions. Athletes from Russia and Belarus are currently competing in boxing and judo at the world championships.
