Russian swimmers permitted to compete under flag

Russian Evgeny Rylov won gold in both the men's 100m and 200m backstroke at the 2020 Olympics while competing as a neutral athlete [Getty Images]

Athletes from Russia and Belarus will be able to compete in senior World Aquatics events under their countries' flags after the body lifted a ban on their participation.

Competitors from the two countries have only been able to compete as neutrals since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, with Belarus a close ally of Russia.

Swimming's global governing body has allowed junior athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags since December, following a recommendation at the International Olympic Committee summit for sports.

The summit recommended sporting bodies consider readmitting youth competitors, and now World Aquatics has also updated the rules for senior athletes.

World Aquatics president Husain Al Musallam said: "Over the last three years, World Aquatics and the AQIU (Aquatics Integrity Unit) have successfully helped ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues.

"We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition."

In a statement announcing the change, World Aquatics said: "Following a decision of the World Aquatics Bureau, and in consultation with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics Athletes' Committee, the Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During a Period of Political Conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality.

"Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."

Athletes from the two countries will only be permitted to compete once they have successfully passed at least four successive anti-doping controls and completed background checks with the AQIU.

The tests will be carried out in partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA).

The move by World Aquatics follows that of the International Paralympic Committee, which admitted Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national flag at the recent Games in Milan-Cortina.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino suggested in February that world football's governing body will look at lifting a ban on Russia, a move called "irresponsible" and "infantile" by Ukraine sports minister Matvii Bidnyi.