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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Henry Belot

Russian, South African and US athletes get rushed Australian citizenships ahead of 2024 Olympics

United States Australia AOC Olympics Andrew Giles Russia South Africa Gold
South African athlete Pierre Van der Westhuyzen kayaking
Immigration minister Andrew Giles used ministerial discretion to grant citizenship to canoeist Pierre Van der Westhuyzen, saying his ‘contribution to the sport may enhance Australia’s reputation’. Photograph: Pierre Van der Westhuyzen

The Australian government has fast-tracked the citizenship of three athletes from South Africa, Russia and the US, in an effort to boost the nation’s chances of winning gold medals at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

With the support of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), South African canoeist Pierre Van der Westhuyzen, Russian wrestler Georgii Okorokov and US water polo player Sam Slobodien, will receive citizenships ahead of the games after having their applications fast-tracked.

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