Australia replaces Russia to host swimming’s 25-meter worlds
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Australia changed Russia as host of swimming’s short-course world championships in December, the game’s governing physique FINA stated Friday.
Melbourne will host the 25-meter pool occasions from Dec. 13-18 after Kazan was stripped of hosting rights in March due to Russia’s struggle on Ukraine.
“We’re extremely grateful to our hosts for stepping ahead to host this prestigious meet,” FINA president Husain al-Musallam stated in an announcement.
Athletes and officers from Russia and its army ally Belarus have been banned from the aquatics world championships beginning June 17 in Budapest, Hungary.
Some nationwide groups, together with Germany and Switzerland, had stated they might boycott the championships if FINA allowed swimmers from Russia and Belarus to compete as impartial athletes.
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