Author: Rick Mc

As expected, FIG will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes and their support personnel into FIG sanctioned events listed on FIG Calendar starting January 1, 2024.

I hope it works.

Sadly, I anticipate FIG regretting this decision as it will generate public protests against Putin everywhere Russians compete. I expect negative headlines every day during the Paris Olympics.

Of course there are athlete safety issues, as well. IOC already has to protect Palestinian and Israeli athletes going forward.

It would have been better to continue the ban through the Paris Olympics.

Next best would have been to allow Russian and Belarus to compete without the complications stipulated.

• No link with the Russian or Belarusian military or with any other national security agency
• No communication associated with Russia or Belarus
• No support for the war in Ukraine

All gymnasts/athletes of Russian or Belarusian sporting nationality must comply with all anti-doping requirements applicable to them, in particular those set out in the FIG Anti-Doping Rules.

Russia has already been found guilty of systematic doping. How is it fair that their athletes have not been subject to testing over the ban so far?

Read the FIG decision for yourself:

Note:

Nikita Nagornyy is Chief of the Main Staff of the All-Russia “Young Army” National Military Patriotic Social Movement Association. He’s instantly banned.