World Aquatics authorized a change to the admission criteria for Russian swimmers ahead of the Olympics

World Aquatics executive director Brent Nowitzky did not rule out that the organization could reconsider the admission criteria for Russian swimmers before the Paris Olympics.

World Aquatics allows Russian swimmers to compete in neutral status in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The criteria also include a ban on speaking to the media at major tournaments. Previously, the Russian Diving Federation called the admission conditions of World Aquatics unacceptable: Russians do not participate in the World Championships taking place in Qatar.

“I don’t think the criteria are too restrictive.” I cannot rule out a review of protocols and possible changes if there is support from the World Aquatics Athletes Committee, Board and Coaches.

We want the best swimmers in the pool, right? Everyone wants the competition to be the best it can be, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices. We take into account the interests of the competitive sporting balance that we are trying to establish, as well as fairness. Sometimes that means the best swimmers don’t participate, Nowitzki was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The Paris Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.