FIG bans Russian and Belarusian gymnasts from international events

On 28 February 2022, days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the sport's world governing body, announced sanctions on Russia and Belarus. Belarus had allowed its territory to be used in the offensive.

The decision barred Russian and Belarusian gymnasts, judges and officials from FIG competitions, covering artistic and rhythmic gymnastics as well as other disciplines under its authority. It followed a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that federations exclude athletes from the two countries, and it came amid a wave of similar bans across world sport.

The move mattered because Russia had long been one of gymnastics' strongest nations, especially in rhythmic gymnastics, where its athletes had dominated world and European podiums for years. Russian gymnasts were absent from major events, including world championships, for the following period. The rules on participation were later revised, with some athletes allowed to compete under neutral status, but the 2022 ban marked the start of a prolonged separation of Russian gymnasts from the international circuit.