World Gymnastics lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes effective immediately, allowing them to compete under their national flags in all five gymnastics disciplines, the federation announced following its executive committee meeting in Egypt last weekend [1, 2]. The disciplines affected include artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, aerobic, and trampolining gymnastics [1].
Russian and Belarusian gymnasts had been barred from international competitions since March 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine [1, 2]. In late 2024, these athletes were allowed to compete only as Individual Neutral Athletes, prohibited from displaying national flags or hearing their national anthems [1, 2]. Strict neutrality rules required that athletes show no voluntary links to Russian or Belarusian military or security forces and no support for the conflict in Ukraine [2].
The neutrality status faced controversy. For example, 25-year-old Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova competed as a neutral at the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships despite allegations of ties to Russian military organizations, drawing criticism [2].
Russia has historically been a dominant force in gymnastics. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Russian gymnasts won two golds among 10 total medals while competing under the Russian Olympic Committee banner [1].
The ban lift follows similar recent decisions by major sports bodies. The International Judo Federation removed restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes in November 2025, and World Aquatics did so in April 2026 [1].
World Gymnastics’ executive committee said that “all restrictions applicable to Russian and Belarusian athletes are lifted effective immediately,” clearing the way for full national representation [2].
The decision ends over four years of restrictions on these athletes, allowing them to compete under their own flags at upcoming events [2].
