World Gymnastics Reinstates Russian and Belarusian Athletes

World Gymnastics has lifted restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete internationally under their national flags. This reversal, impacting five disciplines, follows similar decisions by other sports organizations previously enforcing neutral participation due to geopolitical tensions involving Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In a significant policy shift, World Gymnastics announced on Monday that it has lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, enabling their return to international competitions under their national flags.

This decision comes after a ban imposed in March 2022, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Athletes from these nations had been competing as neutral participants since late 2024. Notably, gymnastics is not the only sport to ease such restrictions—the world bodies of aquatics and wrestling have recently permitted Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with full national representation.

The policy reversal will be implemented across all five disciplines governed by World Gymnastics, including artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, and aerobic gymnastics, as well as trampolining. Prior to the ban, Russia was a strong contender in gymnastics, securing significant victories at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. World Gymnastics has not yet provided further comments on the decision.