Gold medalists Russia’s Liliia Akhaimova, Russia’s Angelina Melnikova Russia’s Viktoriia Listunova and Russia’s Vladislava Urazova celebrate on the podium after winning the artistic gymnastics women’s team final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on July 27, 2021. (Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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After more than four years of restrictions, Russian and Belarusian gymnasts may compete freely under their national flags in sanctioned events. The World Gymnastics (FIG) Executive Committee announced its decision on Monday, lifting “all restrictions applicable” to Russian and Belarusian athletes.
The federation’s decision is “effective immediately,” and ends all restrictions and Ad-Hoc rules that were initially instituted in February 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Period of Neutrality Ends
Prior to Monday’s verdict, Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete in FIG-sanctioned events as Individual Neutral Athletes, and “not in any way as a representative of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus or any other organization in their country.”
This restriction previously barred athletes from representing their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or National Federation (NF).
To qualify as an Individual Neutral Athlete, the athlete had to meet a set of criteria set by the FIG.
- No voluntary affiliation with the Russian or Belarusian military or with any other national security agency
- No active support for the military conflict in Ukraine
Even once approved as a neutral athlete, the flags of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus could not be flown or displayed, and the FIG assigned any competing athlete with “AIN” as their competitive acronym. National anthems were strictly prohibited during award ceremonies. Instead, a winning athlete received FIG-selected “neutral music.”
Despite its procedural safeguards, the neutrality process garnered significant scrutiny in 2025 when Olympic and World champion Angelina Melnikova received FIG approval as an Individual Neutral Athlete, allowing her to compete at the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships.
Many alleged that Melnikova’s “neutral” participation violated the International Gymnastics Federation’s (FIG) neutrality conditions.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – OCTOBER 24: Gold Medalist Angelina Melnikova of Independent Athletes celebrates at the medal ceremony after the Women’s Individual Vault Final on day six of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Indonesia Arena on October 24, 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Tom Weller/Getty Images)
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Designated a “Champion of Terror” by the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Melnikova competes for the Central Sports Club of the Army (CSKA), a subsidiary of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Ukraine considers athletes from this club to be representatives of “the armed forces of the aggressor state.”
Melnikova’s political ties are significant. In 2025, the 25-year-old won the primary as a local candidate for the pro-government United Russia party. Although she later withdrew her candidacy, she did so to focus on gymnastics training.
Months later, Melnikova returned to the world championships stage for the first time since 2021, winning the coveted world all-around title over American Leanne Wong. Though she competed under neutrality last October, this fall will look much different for Melnikova and her Russian teammates.
Eyes on Rotterdam 2026
The focus now shifts to the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam. Slated for October, the event dually serves as a team qualifier to the 2028 Olympic Games. With all restrictions lifted, the Russian Federation’s teams will return to the world stage, seeking vengeance after years on the sidelines.
At the Tokyo Olympics, Russia swept both men’s and women’s team titles. In the Netherlands, the gymnastics powerhouse seeks similar success.