A smart plan to lower the competition or an ethical statement?

The Swiss Swimming Federation threatens to boycott the World Cup in Budapest next summer if Russians and Belarusians also appear at the start. The International Federation FINA wants to admit both countries, under a neutral flag.

“Swiss Aquatics has come to the conclusion that it is currently inappropriate to participate in the world championships if FINA also allows athletes from Russia and Belarus, regardless of whether they compete under their own or neutral flag,” the statement said.

The Swiss Confederation also points out the conflicting positions of FINA and the European Federation on the organization of competitions. The latter, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, decided not to invite athletes from Russia and Belarus to events until further notice. This is in line with the IOC guidelines. The FINA has so far sailed its own and for many the wrong course.

The World Cup in Hungary will be on the agenda from June 18 to July 3. Switzerland has two swimmers, Jérémy Desplanches and Noè Ponti, who won Olympic bronze in Tokyo.

Louise Roth is the youngest member of WeeklyNewsReview team. Despite the young age Louise is interested in serious topics. Her main interests and education is all about economics and politics. But in our team she is the most productive do-it-all member, so she has to write on a variety of topics.