Belarusian Swimmers Refused State Flag, Anthem At International Competitions

• 2.10.2023, 16:21

They will be checked by a special commission.

Four Belarusian swimmers received neutral status and will thus be able to take part in competitions of the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics), writes telegraf.news.

Belarusian swimmer Illia Shymanovich, who holds the world record for the 100-meter breaststroke in a 25-meter pool, and three leaders of the women's national swimming team — Anastasia Shkurdai, Alina Zmushko and Anastasia Kuliashova — were allowed to compete under a neutral flag in competitions under the auspices of World Aquatics.

In addition, as reported by the Match TV portal, coach from Belarus Andrey Lipnitsky was also allowed to participate in the International Swimming Federation competitions.

In September of this year, the World Aquatics decided to partially lift the current restrictions and allow Belarusian and Russian swimmers to compete in a neutral status. Based on the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, the federation has developed criteria for the admission of athletes from Belarus and Russia.

They were allowed to participate only in individual disciplines, and a special group created by the International Swimming Federation must check the athletes before admission for “the lack of active support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” as well as compliance with anti-doping rules, World Aquatics said in a September statement.