FINA Sticks to Strict Conditions for Russia

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) adheres to its strict rules regarding the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions, even if this results in the boycott of several top athletes from both countries at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. FINA requires athletes to compete as neutrals and prohibits them from participating in relay events, as well as issuing any statements "explicit or implicit" supporting the war in Ukraine, which Russia refers to as a "special military operation." The conditions also impose strict anti-doping measures on athletes from Russia and Belarus and prohibit them from speaking to the media during competitions. FINA approved the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to competitions last September after they were banned from participating following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.