Russian swimmer Kliment Kolesnikov reacts after winning gold medal in the men's 50-meter backstroke final at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, on August 3, 2025. VINCENT THIAN / AP
Athletes from Russia and Belarus are free to participate under their own flags in senior World Aquatics events after the global governing body on Monday, April 13, lifted a ban on them competing.
Competitors from Russia and Belarus had been banned from international competition following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine although since September 2023 they have been allowed to compete as neutrals.
"Following a decision of the World Aquatics bureau, and in consultation with the aquatics integrity unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics athletes' committee, the guidelines for athlete participation in aquatics events during a period of political conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality," a World Aquatics statement read.
"Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."
