Last month, the swimming world eagerly tuned into the World Championships in Fukuoka. However, another notable aquatic event was taking place simultaneously that was also making waves, the Swim Cup of Russia. The Swim Cup provided Russian and Belarusian swimmers with a chance to showcase their prowess in the pool and set fast times.

Athletes from these two countries currently face a ban from World Aquatics competitions. A consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Belarus’ support. As the Paris 2024 Olympics is only a year away, the fate of athletes from these two countries hangs in the balance.

Will Russian and Belarusian athletes make the cut?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to make a definitive decision regarding Russian and Belarusian eligibility for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. They recently recommended that global organizations should consider allowing these athletes to compete under a neutral banner. However, eligibility would depend on athletes distancing themselves from any support for the war in Ukraine.

World Aquatics, previously known as FINA, has announced that it will revisit the crucial topic of Russian and Belarusian athlete eligibility later this year. The international governing body for aquatic sports is determined to gather insights, viewpoints, and perspectives from its member organizations, athletes, and esteemed coaches before making any conclusive judgments.

Should World Aquatics eventually lift the ban, it would open the doors to global competition for exceptional talents like Kliment Kolesnikov and Evgeniia Chikunova. These athletes have shown extraordinary potential and are eager to prove themselves on the international stage. However, one athlete’s eligibility remains shrouded in uncertainty. The status of double-Olympic backstroke champion Evgeny Rylov hangs in the balance due to his public appearance at a rally supporting Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine.

Read more: Russian And Belarusian Athletes Face Major Setback Ahead Of World Swimming Championships

According to a Swimming World report, his involvement in such events has raised questions about his adherence to the IOC’s requirements for neutral participation. While these athletes remain banned, they remain steadfast in their training in case their bans lift. Their swimming federation also tried their best to keep the swimmers motivated and ready for the Olympics.

One million Ruble swimming bonuses in Swim Cup

To keep their swimmers competitive, the All-Russia Swimming Federation handed out bonuses for their exceptional athletes. A whopping 1 million rubles (equivalent to USD$10,862) were bestowed upon swimmers who surpassed the winning times set at the prestigious World Championships in Fukuoka. Kliment Kolesnikov and Evgeniia Chikunova emerged as the triumphant beneficiaries of these extraordinary bonuses. Chikunova’s performance in the 200-meter breaststroke granted her the coveted 1 million ruble bonus. Not to be outdone, Kolesnikov showcased his extraordinary prowess in the 50-meter backstroke, securing a second 1 million ruble bonus to add to his earlier accomplishment in the 100-meter backstroke.

As the clock ticks and the year progresses, the swimming world will be watching closely as World Aquatics navigates this delicate and complex matter. The decisions made by World Aquatics will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape of the Paris Olympics and beyond.

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