The Norwegian Swimming Federation will not host international championships as long as World Aquatics (WA) allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete, the organization’s president, Cato Bratbakk, told Reuters.
The measure follows a similar position adopted by Poland on Friday.
The decision marks a deepening division within the international swimming community after WA lifted neutrality restrictions last week.
“Our position is clear. We will not host any championships as long as Russian and Belarusian competitors, seniors and juniors, have full access, registration rights and permission to use their national flags and anthems,” Bratbakk said on Tuesday (21).
Russian and Belarusian athletes have been allowed to compete in WA events with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems since April 14. The international entity added that Russia and Belarus would resume full membership rights.
Competitors from Russia and Belarus were banned from international sporting events following Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which was launched in part from Belarusian territory.
Norway is now seeking a broader regional boycott of the organization of events.
“We have a meeting scheduled with Nordic colleagues next week where we hope our position will create a movement against the decision made by World Aquatics,” Bratbakk said.
World Aquatics said in a statement Tuesday that it “remains determined to ensure that swimming pools and open waters remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition.”
