World Aquatics has approved the criteria for the admission of Russian athletes to international competitions in neutral status

The International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) has approved the criteria that will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions in neutral status.

— After extensive consultations and discussions, the World Swimming Bureau has unanimously decided to approve a number of criteria that will allow athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports to participate in future world water sports competitions as neutral individual athletes.

The ability for athletes from both national federations to compete as neutral individuals will be implemented by the Independent Aquatics Adversity Authority (AQIU) in accordance with strict criteria, including robust anti-doping measures. These criteria were developed by an ad hoc working group.

Athletes were also interviewed. The results indicate a high degree of support for the established criteria, including the lack of active support for the NWO, as well as the absence of national flags and anthems. 67% of athletes support the participation of neutral individual athletes who meet strict criteria.

Individual neutral athletes will only be permitted to participate in events where the time or outcome is determined by an athlete’s performance, World Aquatics said in a statement.

It should be noted that a maximum of one athlete with Russian sports citizenship can be entered for a distance or type of competition program separate from a particular tournament. The National Federation is responsible for the selection of this athlete.

Qualifying times for world swimming competitions must be achieved by athletes outside of Russia and Belarus at competitions approved by the international federation.