Frankfurt Rhythmic Gymnastics Worlds to Allow Russian and Belarusian Athletes Compete Without Flags or Anthems

The 2026 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships will be held in Frankfurt, Germany from 12 to 16 August. Under an agreement between World Gymnastics (FIG), the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB), the German Olympic Sports Confederation and the German federal government, athletes from Russia and Belarus are permitted to take part but must do so under a neutral status. They will compete without national flags or anthems; if a medal is won, the FIG flag and neutral music will be used.

The German Gymnastics Federation confirmed the arrangement, noting that the athletes will still be listed under their country names in results. The Ukrainian gymnastics federation protested the decision, recalling the suspension of Russian and Belarusian competitors after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Separately, Croatia denied visas to nine members of the Russian delegation for the upcoming European Championships in Zagreb, further highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the participation of Russian gymnasts.

This marks the first time in five years that Russian rhythmic gymnasts are allowed to compete at a world‑level event, reflecting a partial easing of sports sanctions while broader geopolitical tensions remain.