Swimmer Evgeny Rylov banned by FINA for appearing at rally led by Putin


Swimmer Evgeny Rylov banned by FINA for appearing at rally led by Putin

Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov has been banned by FINA for nine months after he attended a war rally led by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rylov is a two-time Olympic champion who won the men's 100 metres and 200m backstroke titles at the Tokyo Games but will now be ineligible to compete until 19th January 2023. Due to the fact that FINA already confirmed Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be competing at events throughout 2022 Rylov is essentially banned for 19 extra days.

FINA launched the investigation into Rylov’s attendance as he was “bringing aquatic sports into disrepute.” Rylov’s sponsor Speedo also ended their sponsorship deal with the Olympic champion because of his support for the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian swimmer Andriy Govorov said that seeing Rylov in attendance was “heart-breaking” as he considers him a close friend. Others in attendance at the rally included gymnast Ivan Kuliak who wore the “Z” mark on the podium at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha with other prominent Russian athletes from figure-skating and skiing also being present.

You may also like

View All

World Aquatics becomes first international federation to expel athletes involved in Enhanced Games

World Aquatics has announced that it will expel athletes involved in the 2026 Enhanced Games which promotes performance-enhancing drugs that are prohibited by global anti-doping regulations

Read More

World Boxing to introduce compulsory sex testing from July

World Boxing has announced that it will implement compulsory sex testing for all boxers starting from July 2025

Read More

Judge soon to determine solo verdict in Canadian hockey sexual assault case after expelling jury

Judge, Justice Maria Carroccia, expelled the jury involved in a Canadian hockey sexual assault case due to a complaint about the defence attorneys’ behaviour, and will soon determine the verdict alone

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: