European Gymnastics restores Russian athletes' eligibility to compete
The Congress of European Gymnastics voted to reinstate Russian athletes at the organisation’s tournaments. The decision covers five disciplines and, according to the Russian federation, could pave the way to qualification for the 2028 Olympics.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
November 28, 2025 · 1 min read
The Russian Gymnastics Federation reported that the Congress of European Gymnastics has adopted a decision to admit Russian athletes to competitions under the organization's aegis.
Disciplines covered
According to the federation, the decision concerns five disciplines governed by the organization.
- artistic gymnastics
- rhythmic gymnastics
- trampoline
- acrobatic gymnastics
- aerobic gymnastics
Impact on qualification
The Russian Gymnastics Federation claims that, for artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, the decision opens access to selection tournaments that form the participants for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In their assessment, in trampoline athletes may qualify for the Games without mandatory participation in European events.
It is also reported that the athletes' return is expected in a neutral status. Earlier, in 2022, European Gymnastics and the International Gymnastics Federation suspended Russian athletes because of the war in Ukraine; in 2024 FIG allowed them to compete in a neutral status.
The International Olympic Committee does not rule out the possibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes taking part in the 2026 Games provided certain criteria are met.
