# Swimming: Russian and Belarusian athletes will now be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events without restrictions under their own flag and anthem. Competitors from both countries were banned from international sports events following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Athletes from the two countries will only be permitted to compete once they have passed four successive anti-doping controls and completed background checks. World Aquatics says that over the past three years, work has been done to ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues.
Swimming: Russian and Belarusian athletes allowed to compete again under their own flags and anthems