International Gymnastics Federation Lifts Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian Athletes

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has lifted all restrictions imposed on athletes from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to compete under their national flags for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Executive Committee of the organization announced on May 18 that it had "decided to lift all restrictions applicable to Russian and Belarusian athletes from February 2022, effective immediately," according to an official statement from Kyiv Independent.

FIG, known as World Gymnastics, coordinates international competitions in all disciplines of gymnastics. The decision annuls the restrictions introduced in March 2022 following the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. At that time, the federation banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions and imposed broader measures against national events and symbols associated with the two countries.

Previously, Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to return to competitions as neutral participants starting late 2024, but without the right to compete under their national flag or anthem. The new decision restores full participation rights in all five disciplines under World Gymnastics' authority: artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics, and trampoline.

The Russian war against Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the Ukrainian sports community, with hundreds of athletes and coaches killed and hundreds of sports facilities damaged or destroyed in missile and drone attacks launched by Russia. However, in recent times, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been gradually returning to international competitions as major sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee, have relaxed the restrictions imposed after the invasion.