Foto gymnastics-now.com.
The new rules apply to all disciplines within the structure of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, writes meduza, co quoted by FIG. We are talking about artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, sports acrobatics and sports aerobics. Thus, athletes from Russia and Belarus will be able to return to full participation in tournaments under their national symbols after more than three years of restrictions.
The first to raise the Russian flag on the international arena will be representatives of sports acrobatics. They will take part in the World Cup stage, which will be held in the Bulgarian city of Burgas from May 29 to 31. It is expected that in the future a similar procedure will be applied to other tournaments under the auspices of the FIG.
Russian gymnasts were suspended by the International Gymnastics Federation in the spring of 2022 amid the events in Ukraine. The organization later allowed the athletes to return, but only in a neutral status – without flag, anthem and national symbols. They started to compete in this format from 2024.
The FIG’s decision may become one of the most notable steps by international sports federations to ease restrictions on Russian athletes. The sports community is already discussing whether this precedent will influence the position of other international organizations, which so far maintain restrictions or allow Russians to compete only in neutral status.
