Evgeny Rylov Cleared To Continue Competing At Russian Championships

RYLOV Evgeny RUS Russia MEN - 200M BACKSTROKE - FINAL Swimming Budapest - Hungary 22/5/2021 Duna Arena XXXV LEN European Aquatic Championships Photo Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

Evgeny Rylov: Photo Courtesy: Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

Two-time Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov can continue competing at the Russian Championships in Kazan, world governing body FINA has said.

Rylov’s involvement in the meet commanded international attention given it came days after FINA announced a nine-month ban for the four-time European champion following his appearance at a rally in support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Rylov was third in the 100 back on Monday prompting the global federation to launch a review into whether FINA rules or sanctions had been broken.

After Swimming World reached out, FINA issued the following statement confirming Rylov can compete with his name on the list of entrants for the 200 back.

“FINA has reviewed Mr. Rylov’s involvement in the Russian Swimming Championships and will not be taking any further action.

“The Russian Swimming Championships was not a FINA-sanctioned event and is not linked to any FINA event, in accordance with the decision by the FINA Bureau to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from FINA competitions through the end of 2022.”

Rylov’s attendance in the rally in Moscow in March, in which he wore the “Z” symbol of Russian nationalism, cost him his sponsorship with Speedo.

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