Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will again compete under their flags. How was this achieved? 0 16

The executive committee of the federation, which met on Saturday and Sunday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, announced in a brief press release that the restrictions are being lifted immediately.

This means that gymnasts from both countries will be able to return to competitions under their flag and anthem, rather than as neutral athletes.

They will also be able to compete in team events, not just in individual competitions; the conditions that athletes should not actively support the war in Ukraine or be contractually linked to the army or security services have also been lifted.

The federation did not justify its decision, which contradicts recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In early May, the IOC recommended that international federations allow athletes from Belarus to compete, but not from Russia.

Thus, a path opens for Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

In judo and swimming, there was also a vote for the full restoration of rights for athletes from both countries, while in boxing, the restrictions were lifted only for Belarusian athletes, following the IOC's recommendations.

Other organizations, such as the International Skating Union and the International Association of Athletics Federations, continue to fully suspend both countries from their competitions.