World Gymnastics Defends Decision to Lift All Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian Gymnasts

The sport’s governing body said it ‘firmly believes that sport ​and politics must remain separate’ as it ends requirement for athletes to compete as ‘neutral.’

Angelina Melnikova of Team Neutral Athletes competes in the uneven bars during the Women's qualification on day three of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Oct. 21, 2025. Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

The international governing body of gymnastics has defended its decision to immediately lift all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, stating the move is about fairness and separating sport from politics.

World Gymnastics announced on Monday that athletes from both countries could return to international competitions under ​their national flags, reversing a ​ban in place since March 2022 following Russia’s escalation of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Belarus is a close ally of Moscow.