Swimming: Norway joins Poland in refusing to host Russians and Belarusians

The Norwegian Swimming Federation is not going to host worldwide championships so long as World Aquatics permits athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete, the nation’s governing physique head President Cato Bratbakk instructed Reuters.

The resolution marks a deepening rift inside the worldwide swimming neighborhood after WA lifted neutrality restrictions final week.

“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 stated on Tuesday.

Russian and Belarusian athletes have been permitted to compete in WA occasions with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems since 14 April. The international governing physique added that Russia and Belarus would resume full membership rights.

Competitors from Russia and Belarus have been banned from worldwide sporting occasions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which was launched partly from Belarusian territory.

Norway is now looking for a broader regional boycott of internet hosting duties.

“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 stated.

The transfer follows the same stance taken by Poland on Friday.

The WA didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

-Reuters