World Gymnastics lifts ban on Russia and Belarus

World Gymnastics lifts ban on Russia and BelarusImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Gymnast Angelina Melnikova was part of the Russian team that won gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo ByTimothy AbrahamBBC Sport JournalistPublished6 minutes agoWorld Gymnastics has lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes with immediate effect.Athletes from both countries were banned from international competition in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.They were subsequently permitted to compete as neutrals towards the end of 2024 but will now be allowed to return to international competitions under their national flags.World Gymnastics confirmed the decision in a statement, external following a meeting of its executive committee in Egypt last weekend.The reversal applies across all five disciplines governed by World Gymnastics, including artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics as well as trampolining.Russia has historically been one of the strongest countries in gymnastics. They won two golds and 10 medals overall at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, competing under the Russian Olympic Committee banner, before being banned from Paris 2024.The move to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part under their flags follows a similar decision by World Aquatics in April while the International Judo Federation lifted its ban last November.The International Paralympic Committee removed its suspension on athletes from the two countries competing last year and they took part in the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina.Related topicsOlympic GamesGymnastics