Russian and Belarusian Gymnasts Granted Neutrality for Competition Starting January, Announces FIG

 

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced on Wednesday that Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will have the opportunity to compete as "individual neutral athletes" in events organized by the governing body starting from January next year.

The FIG Executive Committee (EC) made the decision, allowing Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to participate as long as they have no association with their countries' gymnastics federations, national federations, and Olympic committees.

This decision comes a year after the FIG had banned athletes from both countries following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Belarus had been utilized as a staging area for the invasion, which Moscow referred to as a "special military operation."

Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will be permitted to take part in qualifying competitions for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. However, the final decision on their eligibility for the Games will rest with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as stated by the FIG.

According to the FIG's statement, any athlete seeking the status of "individual neutral athlete" will need to apply to the FIG, adhering to the ad-hoc rules. Once granted this status, athletes will be eligible to participate in FIG sanctioned events starting from January 1, 2024.

FIG President Morinari Watanabe emphasized, "By accepting Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete as independent neutral athletes, the FIG is ensuring that the rights of all athletes are respected and is sending a message to the world that gymnastics is seeking peace."

Earlier this year, the IOC issued recommendations to permit athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals, provided they have no affiliation with their countries' militaries.