Russia and Belarus to compete under neutral status at gymnastics championships

Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete under neutral status at the upcoming Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany, and the European Championships in Croatia. Although the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) lifted all sanctions against these nations in May, a specific agreement has been reached between the FIG, the German Gymnastics Federation, the German Olympic Sports Confederation, and the German federal government to bypass that lifting for these specific events.

Under this arrangement, if any Russian or Belarusian gymnasts win medals, the international federation's flag will be raised instead of their national flags, and neutral music will be played during medal ceremonies instead of national anthems. Alfons Hölzl, President of the German Gymnastics Federation, expressed support for the decision, stating it is understandable to avoid allowing the championships to serve as a propaganda platform for Russia.