Backward roll in gymnastics: Despite the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russians and Belarusians face a comeback. The World Gymnastics Federation has set the framework for this.
The return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to the international gymnastics stage is imminent.
From January 1, 2024, athletes from both countries should be allowed to start again under strict, but not yet defined conditions, despite the war of aggression against Ukraine. This was decided by the Executive Committee of the World Gymnastics Federation (FIG) at its meeting in Lausanne.
“By allowing Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete as independent neutral athletes, the Fig ensures that the rights of all athletes are respected and sends a message to the world that gymnastics strives for peace,” said World Federation President Morinari Watanabe ( Japan).
A basic requirement for participation in international competitions is that athletes from Russia and Belarus apply to the fig for the status of “individual neutral athlete”. The athletes, including their coaches, must have no “involvement or connection with the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus, their respective national federations or national Olympic committees” and must submit to ad hoc rules. The latter would be finalized and published by the Executive Committee in the coming weeks.
Ban remains in place for 2023
Athletes from Russia and Belarus may also participate in qualifying competitions for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris if they meet the requirements. Whether they are then allowed to start there is the responsibility of the International Olympic Committee, explained the Fig.
As a result of the decision, the ban on Russians and Belarusians that has been in place since the beginning of March 2022 will remain in place for this year. Participation in the forthcoming world championships in rhythmic gymnastics in Valencia (23rd to 27th August) and in artistic gymnastics in Antwerp (30th September to 8th October) is therefore excluded. Numerous Olympic starting places will be awarded in both title fights.
With regard to the doping problem, the figure determined that she wanted to implement specific procedures with the International Testing Agency (ITA). Details were not given. The German association president, Alfons Hölzl, recently said that because of the suspension of the Russian anti-doping agency (Rusada), he could not see “that we are dealing with a system that guarantees the fight against doping”.
