Russia says some 30 swimmers aim to compete in shortcourse worlds

A Russian swimming official said Saturday that around 30 swimmers are applying for neutral status and visas to compete at the world shortcourse championships in Budapest next month.

The vice-president of the Russian Swimming Federation, Vladimir Salnikov, told RIA Novosti state news agency that the swimmers were in the process of applying for neutral status.

"Now they all have to submit documents for visas, the swimmers are in the process of obtaining neutral status," Salnikov said.

"If we talk about the final line-up, it is around 30 people," he added.

Athletes from Russia and ally Belarus were banned from world sport after Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

They are allowed to compete as neutrals under strict rules that include no public support for Russia's military incursion.

World Aquatics have recently relaxed their rules for neutral competitors, allowing some team events.

"I really hope that all these plans will end up with them competing at the world championships," Salnikov said of the Russian swimmers.

Russia is currently holding a national swimming tournament in Saint Petersburg that is a qualifying event for Budapest.