The recent visit of Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and one of the candidates in the recent elections for the IOC presidency, to Moscow has generated controversy in the sports world. During his stay, Watanabe was greeted by Russian gymnast Nikita Nagornyy, with whom he shared a warm embrace in front of the cameras, a gesture that has raised criticism due to Nagornyy’s history as a key figure in the Kremlin’s propaganda on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Nagornyy, recognized as one of the best gymnasts of his generation, is also a controversial figure. In addition to being a world champion and leader of the Russian team that won gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, he has played a prominent role in the Russian propaganda machine. Since 2016, he has been part of the Russian National Guard and was a leader of the paramilitary group Yunarmiya, known as the Young Army, between 2020 and 2024.
NAGORNYY’S ROLE IN PROPAGANDA.
The Young Army, under Nagornyy’s leadership, has been a key tool in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, participating in pro-war parades and sending gifts to soldiers on the front lines. In addition, the organization has been accused of facilitating the deportation and “re-education” of Ukrainian children in occupied territories, preparing them to fight against their own country.
For these activities, Nagornyy has been sanctioned by governments such as the United States, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, which have singled him out for his role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian minors. Despite his exclusion from international competitions, his presence at the FIG event has reignited the debate over the neutrality of Russian athletes.
THE RETURN OF RUSSIAN GYMNASTS
Watanabe’s visit to Russia was aimed at advancing the reinstatement of some Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to international competitions under the status of neutral athletes. Since 2023, the FIG has allowed such participation, although the Russian federation initially refused to comply with the neutrality rules.
Prominent among the approved athletes is Angelina Melnikova, one of the most successful gymnasts of her generation and a member of the women’s team that won gold at Tokyo 2021. So far, 17 Russian and Belarusian gymnasts have been cleared to compete as neutrals, along with a total of 120 athletes and support staff in various disciplines.
FIG’S NEUTRALITY AND TRANSPARENCY
The approval of Melnikova and other athletes has raised questions about compliance with FIG neutrality rules. According to these rules, gymnasts must not have ties to the Russian military, security agencies or affiliated entities. However, Melnikova trains at the Central Sports Club of the Army (CSKA), known for its military connections, which calls into question whether she meets the established requirements.
In addition, the FIG has not publicly explained the criteria behind the acceptance or rejection of athletes, limiting itself to publishing a basic list of those approved. This lack of transparency has generated criticism about the consistency in the application of the rules and has fueled suspicions about possible behind-the-scenes deals.
CONTEXT OF PROPAGANDA IN RUSSIAN GYMNASTICS
Russian gymnastics has been at the center of controversy since 2022, when gymnast Ivan Kuliak wore a pro-war symbol on his uniform during a medal ceremony in Qatar. Although he was sanctioned, he received support from his fellow Russians. Since then, other prominent gymnasts, such as Viktoria Listunova and Vladislava Urazova, have participated in pro-war events, further complicating the perception of neutrality in sport.
This has left many questions open about the true neutrality and values of international sport.
