Russian And Belarusian Gymnasts Cleared To Return Without Restrictions

BusinessSportsMoneyRussian And Belarusian Gymnasts Cleared To Return Without RestrictionsByCaroline Price,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Olympic Sports Analyst and Published AuthorFollow AuthorMay 18, 2026, 11:41am EDTMay 18, 2026, 11:41am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Gold medalists Russia's Liliia Akhaimova, Russia's Angelina Melnikova Russia's Viktoriia Listunova and Russia's Vladislava Urazova celebrate on the podium after winning the artistic gymnastics women's team final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on July 27, 2021. (Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesAfter more than four years of restrictions, Russian and Belarusian gymnasts may compete freely under their national flags in sanctioned events. The World Gymnastics (FIG) Executive Committee announced its decision on Monday, lifting “all restrictions applicable” to Russian and Belarusian athletes. The federation’s decision is “effective immediately," and ends all restrictions and Ad-Hoc rules that were initially instituted in February 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Period of Neutrality EndsPrior to Monday’s verdict, Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete in FIG-sanctioned events as Individual Neutral Athletes, and “not in any way as a representative of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus or any other organization in their country.” This restriction previously barred athletes from representing their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or National Federation (NF). To qualify as an Individual Neutral Athlete, the athlete had to meet a set of criteria set by the FIG. No voluntary affiliation with the Russian or Belarusian military or with any other national security agency No active support for the military conflict in UkraineE...