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International Gymnastics Federation Admits Russian, Belarusian Athletes


Gymnast Angelina Melnikova of Russia competes in Montreal, Canada, in 2017.
Gymnast Angelina Melnikova of Russia competes in Montreal, Canada, in 2017.

The International Gymnastics Federation (IGF) has decided to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes to competitions under a neutral team, the organization announced in a press release on July 19. "Athletes granted this status will have the right to participate in IGF-sanctioned competitions from January 1, 2024," the statement says, though the IGF repeated that there will be “strict conditions” to ensure compliance with neutrality requirements. The decision comes amid the recent controversy regarding the International Olympic Committee’s decision to also allow athletes to compete under conditions of neutrality despite protests from Ukraine and several other countries. To read the original story on RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, click here.

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