World Gymnastics Lifts Restrictions on Russia, Belarus

World Gymnastics has reversed course on Russia and Belarus, reopening the door for their athletes to compete under their national flags, effective immediately, the BBC reports. The sport's global governing body had barred competitors from both countries in March 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, later allowing only neutral participation toward the end of 2024. Neutral athletes were not allowed to wear the colors or flags of their nation, or use their national anthem, Gymnastics Now reports.

Following an executive committee meeting in Egypt last weekend, the federation said the decision covers all five disciplines it oversees: artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, aerobic, and trampoline. Russia, a traditional gymnastics powerhouse, claimed two golds and 10 total medals in Tokyo in 2020 while competing under the Russian Olympic Committee banner, but its athletes were not allowed to compete at the Paris 2024 Games. The gymnastics move aligns with similar steps by other federations: World Aquatics eased its restrictions in April, the International Judo Federation did so in November, and the International Paralympic Committee has already allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes back, including at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina.