The hardest blow of them all?
Due to the invasion of Ukraine, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has announced that it is eliminating Russia and Belarus from all competition.
Russia is considered a great power in the industry, with every competition picking up medals.
Following the decision, the pair of Russian sisters Dina and Arina Avrina, as well as the team that the Israeli coach Ira Vigdorchik is coaching, could not get on the surface any time soon, including the European Championships to be held this summer in Israel.
The decision took effect immediately, so even at the World Acrobatics Championships currently being held in Baku, athletes from these countries could not participate.
The statement said: "In view of the massive escalation of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, the Executive Committee (EC) of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is holding an emergency meeting today to discuss the need to take further emergency measures against Russia and Belarus."
"Athletes and Russian and Belarusian officials, including referees, are not allowed to participate in FIG competitions or competitions with FIG approval from March 7, 2022 until further notice. The FIG wishes to emphasize that these exceptional and emergency measures are determined and issued in light of the above exceptional circumstances.
"They are a means of prevention aimed at maintaining the integrity of the gymnastics, the safety and integrity of the members and of all the athletes and participants, and to combat all forms of violence and injustice in sports."
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