By Tommy Lund April 21 (Reuters) - The Norwegian Swimming Federation will not host international championships as long as World Aquatics (WA) allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete, the
Swimming-Norway joins Poland in refusing to host Russians and Belarusians
Norwegian Swimming Federation's Stance on Russian and Belarusian Participation
By Tommy Lund
April 21 (Reuters) - The Norwegian Swimming Federation will not host international championships as long as World Aquatics (WA) allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete, the country's governing body President Cato Bratbakk told Reuters.
Background: World Aquatics' Policy Change
The decision marks a deepening rift within the international swimming community after WA lifted neutrality restrictions last week.
Norway's Official Statement
"Our position is clear. We will not host any championships as long as Russian and Belarusian senior and junior competitors have full access, entry rights, and are permitted to use their flags and national anthems," Bratbakk said on Tuesday.
Details of Policy Reversal
Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete in WA events with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems since April 14. The global governing body added that Russia and Belarus would resume full membership rights.
Context: The Invasion of Ukraine and Sporting Bans
Competitors from Russia and Belarus were banned from international sporting events following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which was launched in part from Belarusian territory.
Regional Response and Boycott Efforts
Norway's Push for Nordic Solidarity
Norway is now seeking a broader regional boycott of hosting duties.
Upcoming Nordic Meeting
"We are scheduled to meet with Nordic colleagues next week, where we hope our position will create momentum against the decision made by World Aquatics," Bratbakk said.
Poland's Similar Stance
The move follows a similar stance taken by Poland on Friday.
World Aquatics' Response
World Aquatics told Reuters in a statement later on Tuesday that it "remains determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition."
(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk, additional reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk in Warsaw, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Toby Davis)
