Evgeniia Chikunova won the 200m breaststroke as Russian athletes continue to compete under neutral status

Russian swimmer Evgeniia Chikunova has taken the gold at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris despite continuing restrictions on Russian athletes.

The 21-year-old won the 200-meter breaststroke on Friday in 2 minutes 19.32 seconds, setting a new championship record. Chikunova has held the world record in the event since April of 2023, when she broke the previous mark at the Russian National Championships in Kazan.

Chikunova is competing in France as a neutral athlete under European Aquatics rules, which still prevent Russian swimmers from representing their country at the championships.

Russia was banned from some international events starting in the mid-2010s, and the trend sharply accelerated following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.

Since the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision last month to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and withdraw its recommendations restricting Russian athletes' participation, various sporting bodies have lifted their bans on athletes from the country.

Athletes have already been allowed to return to international competition with the national Russian flag and anthem in rhythmic gymnastics, boxing, synchronized swimming, wrestling, table tennis, fencing, archery, and other disciplines.

In April, World Aquatics moved to restore full participation rights for Russian and Belarusian swimmers, including the use of national flags and anthems. However, European Aquatics has delayed implementing the change until September 1, meaning Russian competitors in Paris remain neutral.

Moscow has repeatedly accused Western countries of politicizing sport, insisting that competitors should be judged solely on sporting merit.

Chikunova's victory was one of five medals won by Russian swimmers on Friday, including gold in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay. By the end of the day, Russian athletes had collected 26 medals, including nine golds, at the Paris event.

(RT.com)