Published：May 7, 15:55Last updated：May 18, 17:32

Russia Celebrates Gymnastics Sanctions Lift

May. 7, 2026 15:55

Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev criticized the IOC for lifting restrictions on Belarusian athletes while maintaining sanctions against the Russian Olympic Committee.

Summarized

20News

8Media

May. 18, 2026 17:30

The International Gymnastics Federation lifted restrictions on Russian athletes on May 18, 2026, allowing them to compete under their national flag. European Gymnastics will decide on similar measures by week's end.

May. 18, 2026 17:32

World Gymnastics announced on Monday, May 18, 2026, that all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes have been lifted. The decision allows these athletes to compete internationally under their national flags with immediate effect. The move marks a significant shift in the organization's stance on participation.

Russian sports officials have welcomed the International Gymnastics Federation's decision to lift all restrictions on Russian athletes, allowing them to compete under their national flag and anthem. The move marks a significant shift in international sports policy and comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and the International Olympic Committee over athlete participation. Russian Gazette+2

🏅 Sanctions Reversal

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced on May 18, 2026, the immediate lifting of all restrictions imposed on Russian and Belarusian athletes since February 2022. The decision applies to all five gymnastics disciplines and reverses previous neutral-status requirements. FIG President Morinari Watanabe emphasized the importance of open international sports principles in the decision. RIA Novosti+2

🇷🇺 Russian Reactions

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev praised the decision as "historic," while Russian Gymnastics Federation President Oleg Belozerov called it "a step toward global unity." The move allows Russian athletes to compete in upcoming events like the World Cup stage in Bulgaria with full national representation. Degtyarev noted that Russian symbols are already reappearing in various international tournaments. RIA Novosti+2

🕊️ IOC Tensions Persist

Despite the gymnastics breakthrough, Russia remains at odds with the International Olympic Committee over broader participation issues. IOC President Kirsty Coventry cited the unresolved status of the Russian Olympic Committee's membership as reason for maintaining sanctions. Russian officials, including presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, have vowed to continue dialogue for full athlete reinstatement. Russian Gazette+2

🏆 Future Competitions

The FIG decision makes gymnastics the latest sport to reinstate Russian athletes ahead of the 2028 Olympics. European Gymnastics is expected to announce its position by week's end. Russian officials express hope this signals a broader trend, with Degtyarev stating "nearly all" Russian athletes could return to international competitions this year. Kommersant+2

Oleg BelozerovMikhail DegtyarevMorinari WatanabeRussian Gymnastics FederationInternational Gymnastics Federation

topic.regionalNarratives

Russia

Reporting emphasizes Russia's diplomatic efforts to challenge IOC restrictions while highlighting incremental reintegration of Russian athletes in international competitions.