The International Rowing Federation (World Rowing) announced on Wednesday that some Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate in international competitions in neutral status.
World Rowing “has decided to allow a limited number of eligible sports people, holding Russian and Belarusian passports, will compete as individual neutral athletes in a limited number of boat classes at the upcoming World Rowing Championships.”
The eligibility of those athletes would be determined by several criteria, including a background check to ensure they are not associated with, or publicly supporting, the conflict in Ukraine in any form, and an enhanced anti-doping control process, the sport’s governing body stated.
Athletes could only compete under the principle of absolute neutrality. It includes no flags, anthems, uniforms, or emblems.
