The Norwegian Swimming Federation (NSF) has aligned with Poland in declaring it will refuse to host international championships while athletes from Russia and Belarus are permitted to compete under their national flags.
This stance follows World Aquatics' recent decision to lift neutrality restrictions, allowing swimmers from both nations to participate with full national representation for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Belarus as a key ally.
NSF President Cato Bratbakk emphasized the federation's position, stating, "Our position is clear. We will not host any championships as long as Russian and Belarusian senior and junior competitors have full access, entry rights, and are permitted to use their flags and national anthems."
Bratbakk added that Norway plans to discuss this issue with Nordic colleagues next week, hoping to build momentum against World Aquatics' ruling.
Poland had previously announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be welcome at next year's European Diving Championships if the conflict in Ukraine persists.
Norway, which last co-hosted the European Aquatics Championships in 1985 and has never hosted the World Aquatics Championships, joins a growing international debate over the reintegration of these athletes into global sports.
World Aquatics' policy shift mirrors the International Paralympic Committee's recent admission of Russian and Belarusian competitors under their national flags at the Milan-Cortina Games.