British Swimming has pulled out of the 2022 World Short-Course Championships and the 2024 European Championships – both scheduled for Kazan – and called for Russia and Belarus to be banned from all aquatics competition.
It follows the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and comes 24 hours after the British Olympic Association (BOA) – in tandem with their German counterparts demanded the exclusion of Russian and Belarussian athletes from competition and the suspension of officials.
Tuesday had already seen Vladimir Putin stripped of his FINA Order with the world federation saying athletes from Russia and Belarus could compete as neutrals.
Now Britain has gone one step further by saying they themselves will not compete on Russian soil.
A statement from the British governing body read:
“British Swimming unreservedly condemns the atrocities being committed on the people of Ukraine following the unwarranted declaration of war by the Russian leadership, supported by the leadership in Belarus.
“British Swimming supports a ban on Russia and Belarus from all aquatics competition, and confirms that it will be withdrawing from all events currently due to take place in Russia or Belarus, including the 2022 FINA World Short Course Championships and the 2024 European Championships, both scheduled for Kazan, Russia.
“This decision is taken out of solidarity with the people and athletes of Ukraine and with the safety of our athletes, staff and officials at the forefront of our minds.”
Scottish Swimming echoed British Swimming‘s statement and actions and went on to say: “While sport can help break down barriers, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”