Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Sean Ingle

‘Disgraceful’: anger as World Aquatics allows Russia to compete under flag again

Russia’s Varvara Voronchikhina holds up the national flag inside a stadium while wearing a red puffer jacket with 'Russia' written on the back in gold
Russia’s Varvara Voronchikhina waves the national flag during the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics last month. Photograph: Lisi Niesner/Reuters

Swimming has agreed to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete without restrictions under their own flag and anthem for the first time since 2022, prompting joy in Russia and outrage in Ukraine.

The decision by World Aquatics, which also oversees diving and water polo, adds further momentum to Russia’s bid to be allowed back for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 following judo’s decision to do the same last year.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.