Russia/Belarus restored to national flags
Key Questions
What decision did World Gymnastics make about Russian and Belarusian athletes?
World Gymnastics lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts, allowing them to compete under their national flags and anthems with immediate effect. The change applies across all five gymnastics disciplines and covers upcoming events including the 2026 World Championships in Frankfurt and the European Championships in Varna.
Which athletes are expected to benefit from the restored national flags?
Notable athletes include Russia's Averina sisters and Borisova, along with Belarusian gymnast Alina Harnasko. They will now represent their countries instead of competing as neutral athletes.
How has Sweden responded to World Gymnastics' decision?
Sweden has submitted a formal complaint against the lifting of restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes. This action signals growing resistance from some national federations to the policy reversal.
What events will feature Russian and Belarusian gymnasts under their own flags?
The athletes can compete with national symbols at the Frankfurt 2026 Worlds, Varna Euros, and the LA28 Olympics. The decision ends the neutral athlete era that had been in place since the start of restrictions.
How might this change affect medal results in future competitions?
The return of Russian and Belarusian gymnasts under their flags is expected to shift the medal landscape in rhythmic, artistic, and other disciplines. Strong performers from these nations could now claim podium spots previously unavailable to them as neutrals.
World Gymnastics lifts ban allowing RUS/BLR gymnasts (Borisova, Averina sisters, Harnasko) to compete under own flags and anthems at Frankfurt 2026 Worlds, Varna Euros and LA28. Sweden posts formal complaint against the decision, signaling growing resistance. Ends AIN neutral era and shifts medal landscape.