Twelve Russian gymnasts listed for Rotterdam world championships amid visa reports

Twelve Russian gymnasts—six men and six women—are listed for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, despite reports of visa problems affecting some members of the team. The championships begin on 17 October and run until 25 October.[1][2]

World Gymnastics’ registration, dated 14 October, lists the 12 athletes under the code RUS. Being on the list does not establish that they have received visas, arrived in the Netherlands or will compete.[1]

Nieuws.nl, citing Russian state news agency TASS, reported that three Russians had been refused visas by Dutch authorities, including reigning all-around world champion Angelina Melnikova. The official registration does not include Melnikova.[2][1]

Russian athletes are expected to compete under the neutral designation World Gymnastics 2, rather than the Russian flag. Gymnastics Now reports that World Gymnastics confirmed the designation; it is not shown in the official registration, which lists the athletes as RUS.[3][1]

The championships are also a qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to Nieuws.nl.[2]