Attends Vladimir Putin's General Meeting, Russian Swimmer Rylov Sentenced To 9 Months Starting Today

JAKARTA - Russian Olympic gold medalist swimmer Evgeny Rylov has been banned from participating in sporting events for nine months for attending a rally in support of President Vladimir Putin and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Rylov stood on stage with medalists from other Olympic sports at last month's event and wore a jacket with a "Z" marking on the chest. It was a symbol of support for Russian troops after being used as a marker on Russian armored vehicles operating in Ukraine.

A brief statement from swimming's world governing body, FINA, on Thursday last week said it "acknowledged" the previous, as yet unpublished decision of the disciplinary panel to ban Rylov "following Mr. Rylov's presence and behavior at an event held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. ."

Rylov was the star of Russia's swimming team at the Olympics in Tokyo last year with two gold medals.

The ban goes into effect today, Wednesday, and covers all international competitions. The effect on Rylov is most likely only symbolic as FINA has also extended its decision to ban athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus from all international events for the remainder of 2022.

FINA previously banned Russia and Belarus from the world championships in Hungary in June and July but allowed them to enter other events. At the time, FINA said Russia was planning to boycott all international events, something Russia denies. That position has now been clarified.

"The Bureau also reiterates its position that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials will not be invited to any FINA events until the end of 2022," FINA said. FINA assignments cover a wide range of water sports including swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming.