Russian and Belarusian athletes are facing crucial impediments regarding their participation in Swimming World Championships, in Japan. In fact, 35 countries from all over the world, have demanded the ban of the two countries in the next 2024 Paris Olympics. The swimming, diving, and water polo athletes are awaiting a decree from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IOC has asked the World Aquatics Bureau to look into the matter and come up with a fruitful way to include those participants as neutral athletes, by July. Although some sports have already excluded these two countries, the IOC is seeking ways to enter the swimmers, keeping all the circumstances in mind.

Teetering prospects of swimming athletes

35 countries including the U.S.A., UK, Ukraine, and others signed a petition against the participation of Russia and Belarus in any world games. Governing bodies like the IOC and the World Aquatics Bureau are getting engaged to reintegrate performers from Russia and Belarus with neutral status.

However, last week the committee ordered the Aquatics Bureau to create a task force to find a potential pathway of including the neutral performers. The task force, on the other hand, informed that they will need time to come up with a conclusion. Significantly, they have to present the decree on or before July, as the entry deadline for swimming and diving is June 27, and for water polo, July 3.

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The next championship will happen in July, in Fukuoka, Japan. While Track and Field have already put a ban, the swimmers and gymnasts are awaiting their judgment. Like other Olympic performers, the swimmers too, have to wait for a final declaration from the Bureau to proceed further.

The neutral athlete status for qualification

Recently, 35 countries including Ukraine, the US, the UK, and others connected to demand a ban on these two countries, after the IOC lifted it on the 2022 Winter Olympics. Though they barred the countries from playing or hosting any international games, the IOC did some moderation for the welfare of athletes.

The Committee demanded that athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports, can perform but only as Neutral Athletes. A task force, chaired by Maureen Croes will delve deeper into the matter and ensure the inclusion of potential athletes after going through procedures.

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Now, all eyes are on the verdict that the World Aquatics Bureau will produce. Will the swimming team get through to the Games?