World Gymnastics announced on Friday that all bans on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts are lifted with immediate effect. The athletes, barred from international meets since March 2022, will now compete under their national flags across artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, aerobic and trampolining disciplines.

The reversal follows a weekend executive‑committee meeting in Egypt, where officials cited the sport’s tradition of neutrality and the recent policy shifts by other federations. World Aquatics made a similar decision in April, and the International Judo Federation scrapped its ban last November, prompting pressure on gymnastics authorities.

Russia has long been a powerhouse; its athletes earned two golds and ten medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games competing as the Russian Olympic Committee. Exclusion from Paris 2024 would have erased a generation of medal hopes, making the reinstatement a significant boost for their medal table aspirations.

The International Paralympic Committee already allowed Russian and Belarusian participants at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan‑Cortina, signaling broader acceptance across sport. With the ban lifted, national federations can field full teams, and fans will see familiar rivalries return to the world stage this season.