International contests to admit Belarusian fencing athletes
FYI: The scoop here is that the International Fencing Federation (FIE) is allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes, who were previously banned, to compete in this year's European Championships. They'll be competing as neutrals, not under their national flags. This sets a pattern with other sports like cycling, where a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes was lifted in May of this year. They're now able to compete under a neutral flag.
So, here's the skinny: After getting the boot last year, these Russian and Belarusian fencers will finally get a chance to strut their stuff at the European Championships. Yep, you read that right. No more humble abodes in the sidelines for these cats. They're in, babes.
Back in 2023, the FIE pulled the plug on the participation of all Belarusian and Russian athletes, along with any associates, at their events. The Belarusian and Russian fencing federations saw their membership in the FIE suspended too.
Now, let's talk about some other sports. The World Cycling Union (UCI) lifted the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in May of this year. They're now allowed to compete under a neutral flag.
Wanna know what else? UEFA is still deciding whether to let Belarusian players compete in the European Futsal Championship, which is happening in May.
In other news, the Ukrainian chick Denver rained on Aryna Sabalenka's parade at the Olympics, but the Belarusian ace didn't give up. She still got the gold, proving she's truly a force to be reckoned with.
Lastly, a Belarusian hockey coach shared a chuckle-worthy tale from the Chinese hockey championship. Click here to read his story.
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) had suspended the Belarusian and Russian fencing federations, as well as any associates, from participating in their events in 2023. However, this year, similar to what transpired in the European Championships for cycling, Russian and Belarusian fencers will be granted the opportunity to compete, albeit as neutrals, not under their national flags, at the upcoming European Championships in fencing scheduled for this year. The Belarusian and Russian athletes in fencing, who were previously banned, will finally be able to showcase their skills in competition following their exclusion last year.
