The dike is crumbling, week after week, under the effects of erosion. On Monday, World Aquatics announced a change in policy regarding Russian and Belarusian swimmers: they can now compete under the same conditions as athletes of other nationalities, with their own flag and anthem. This decision is not entirely surprising given recent events, during which many international federations have chosen to reinstate those who had been banned and move on.
"May swimming pools remain places where all nations can come together."
World Aquatics had already lifted the restrictions imposed on juniors. Now, seniors are also freed from the constraints linked to the competition framework for neutral athletes. Over the past three years, World Aquatics and the AQIU (Integrity Unit) have successfully worked to keep conflicts out of competition venues. We are committed to ensuring that pools and open waters remain places where athletes from all nations can come together to compete in a spirit of peace. " said Husain Al Musallam, president of World Aquatics.
The International Swimming Federation (IFF) specifies that Russian and Belarusian athletes will only be allowed to compete if they have successfully passed at least four doping tests conducted in partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA). Their history will also be checked by the International Association of Swimming Infections (AQIU). Athletes who meet these requirements will therefore be able to compete at the European Championships this summer in Saint-Denis, the World Championships in Budapest in 2027, and, of course, the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
A general trend towards relaxation
After four years of conflict, the time for firmness is over for sporting bodies. The World Climbing executive committee has lifted the suspension of the Russian and Belarusian federations A few weeks ago, the International Equestrian Federation authorized the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in team competitions, under a neutral flag, starting January 1st. It also gave the green light for the organization of events in Belarus. Others went further, notably the International Judo Federation: as early as November, it had decided to fully reintegrate Russian and Belarusian judokas.
FIFA's all-powerful president, Gianni Infantino, publicly pleaded for Russia's return on Sky Sports, arguing that the suspension had " nothing brought ", if not " more frustration and hatred ". " FIFA should never ban a country from playing football because of the actions of its political leaders. " he exclaimed. Last summer, a letter from the president of the International Handball Federation, Hassan Mustafa, emphasized the importance of the participation of Russian and Belarusian teams in international competitions The leader reportedly spoke with the IOC about a scenario for the possible return of the national teams of Russia and Belarus ».
In December, the IOC itself recommended the return of Russians and Belarusians to the junior categories. A number of International Federations followed suit, such as the International Modern Pentathlon Union, which also lifted competition restrictions in Belarus.
