Russian and Belarusian athletes have been barred from competing at the 2022 swimming world championships in June. The event, set to take place in Budapest, is taking a stand against the conflict by imposing sanctions on President Putin’s sports stars.
According to FINA, the sports’ international governing body, Russia has responded by removing all of its athletes from events for the rest of the year. "Following these decisions, FINA was informed by the Russian Swimming Federation of the withdrawal of all Russian aquatics athletes from all FINA events for the rest of this year," FINA’s statement read.
"FINA maintains its strongest condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. FINA also wishes to reiterate its commitment to supporting the Ukraine Swimming, Diving and Artistic Swimming Federation as they prepare for upcoming competitions."