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FIG Restores National Status to Russian and Belarusian Gymnasts

The move signals a widening split with IOC policy on Russia.

Overview

  • World Gymnastics’ executive committee ended all post‑2022 restrictions with immediate effect after a meeting Monday in Sharm el‑Sheikh.
  • The change lets athletes from Russia and Belarus compete under their flags and anthems across artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, and aerobic gymnastics.
  • The federation’s brief notice gave no plan for how this will be implemented, which leaves open questions about eligibility checks and anti‑doping oversight.
  • The decision breaks from current IOC rules that still curb Russia after the IOC lifted sanctions on Belarus in early May.
  • German politicians condemned the reversal as a blow to Ukraine, while other sports remain split, with World Aquatics restoring national status and World Athletics keeping restrictions.