Key facts
- Netherlands denied visas to Russian gymnasts Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova, and Anna Kalmykova.
- The athletes were barred from the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam.
- The Russian Gymnastics Federation cited concerns about the athletes posing a threat to international relations.
- Viktoria Listunova and Angelina Melnikova are Olympic gold medalists.
- The Russian Gymnastics Federation will appeal the decision to the IOC and World Gymnastics.
Dutch authorities have denied visas to three Russian gymnasts, preventing them from participating in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships scheduled to take place in Rotterdam from October 17 to 25. The Russian Gymnastics Federation announced the decision on October 13, stating that the athletes were deemed a threat to international relations by one or more Schengen area member states.
Among those denied entry are Olympic gold medalists Angelina Melnikova and Viktoria Listunova, as well as Anna Kalmykova. The Russian Gymnastics Federation expressed its denunciation of the decision and indicated plans to appeal to the International Olympic Committee and World Gymnastics. Despite these denials, visas were approved for five other gymnasts, and a total of 47 out of 61 members of the Russian delegation have reportedly been granted entry.
The participation of Russian athletes in international competitions remains a contentious issue due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Both Melnikova and Listunova have publicly expressed support for the war, with Listunova previously denied a visa for a competition in Croatia and Melnikova having run as a candidate for the ruling United Russia party. Kalmykova reportedly holds a sports contract with the Russian National Guard.
World Gymnastics had previously sanctioned Russian and Belarusian gymnasts in 2022 but later allowed them to compete as neutral athletes. The ban was set to be fully lifted in May 2026, permitting national flags. However, Kyiv continues to advocate for maintaining sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes, highlighting the significant toll the war has taken on Ukraine, including the deaths of athletes and coaches and the destruction of sports facilities.