The International Gymnastics Federation has given neutral standing to 43 Russian athletes.
Alrighty, let's dive into the current state of affairs for Russian and Belarusian gymnasts competing internationally. Here's the lowdown:
The situation is a bit complicated due to recent events. Initially, these gymnasts were barred from international competitions following Russia's military offensive in Ukraine in 2022. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made recommendations in 2023, allowing athletes from these countries to compete as "neutral athletes" under specific conditions. As a result, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) permits some Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete in individual, non-representational roles.
As of early April 2025, the FIG list includes 17 Russian artistic gymnasts, 14 rhythmic gymnasts, and 12 trampoline gymnasts who are eligible for neutral status. Notable names include Arina Yanovskaya, Arina Kovshova, Diana Chugunikhina, and Victoria Chumakova in artistic gymnastics; Angelina Melnikova, Maria Agafonova, Alena Glotova, and Zlata Osokina in rhythmic gymnastics; and Yana Lebedeva, Angela Bbladzeva, Kirill Kozlov, and Danila Kasimov in trampoline gymnastics, among others.
However, it's important to note that despite the option for neutral status, many Russian gymnasts have chosen not to compete due to concerns about excluding other athletes. Moreover, the European Gymnastics Union has decided to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in events like the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held in Tallinn, despite their neutral status.
The Russian gymnastics federation and athletes have publicly protested the perceived unequal treatment, leading to their refusal to participate in competitions under the neutral status. Furthermore, some countries, like Estonia, have imposed travel restrictions on Russian and Belarusian citizens, adding to the complexity of their participation in international events.
To clarify, the FIG implemented a strict AIN assessment procedure to allow neutral Russian and Belarusian gymnasts and support staff to return to FIG competitions, following the IOC's recommendations. However, the federation suspended these athletes from competing in events under its auspices in March 2022, later easing restrictions to allow athletes from both countries to compete in a neutral status, albeit with team events excluded.
So, that's the current state of play for Russian and Belarusian gymnasts competing internationally. It's a fractious and controversial topic, with ongoing protests and travel restrictions adding to the complications. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds!
In 2025, some Russian gymnasts like Arina Yanovskaya, Arina Kovshova, and Alena Glotova in artistic gymnastics, Zlata Osokina in rhythmic gymnastics, and Yana Lebedeva in trampoline gymnastics were eligible to compete as neutral athletes, as stated in the FIG list. However, despite the option for neutral status, many Russian gymnasts have chosen not to compete due to concerns about excluding other athletes, which has led to a refusal to participate in competitions under the neutral status. Consequently, the European Gymnastics Union barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in events like the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held in Tallinn, despite their neutral status, causing further controversy.
