FIG lifts Russia and Belarus restrictions for gymnasts

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has lifted all restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to return to international competition under their national flags and anthems with immediate effect. The decision, announced on Monday following an executive committee meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, fully reinstates the membership rights that were stripped after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The ruling applies to all five disciplines governed by FIG: artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, and aerobic gymnastics. It removes previous stipulations that required athletes to compete as neutrals, without national symbols, and to demonstrate no active support for the war or ties to military or security services. Russian gymnasts are now eligible to represent their country at upcoming world cups and championships, with sports acrobatics athletes set to be the first to compete under the restored status at a World Cup in Burgas, Bulgaria, later this month.

The Russian Gymnastics Federation welcomed the move, with its president, Oleg Belozerov, calling it an important step toward strengthening unity within the global gymnastics community and protecting...