Kathmandu— Russian swimmer Evgeniia Chikunova won the gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris on Friday, finishing in 2 minutes and 19.32 seconds and setting a new championship record. The 21-year-old world record holder is competing as a neutral athlete due to ongoing restrictions placed on Russian athletes following escalations beginning in the mid-2010s and accelerating after 2022. Despite not representing Russia directly, Chikunova’s victory marks one of several successes for Russian swimmers at the championships, which have seen a gradual easing of bans on Russian participation in recent months.

Chikunova's Championship Record

Evgeniia Chikunova’s winning time established a new championship record for the 200-meter breaststroke. She previously set a world record in the event in April of 2023 at the Russian National Championships held in Kazan. Her performance in Paris adds to her already impressive career, despite competing under neutral status.

Evolving Restrictions on Russian Athletes

Russia faced bans from some international events starting in the mid-2010s, with those restrictions significantly increasing following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. However, recent decisions by sporting bodies have begun to lift these bans; the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee last month and withdrew recommendations restricting athlete participation. World Aquatics moved in April to restore full participation rights for Russian and Belarusian swimmers, allowing national flags and anthems.

Neutral Status at Paris Championships

Despite the broader easing of restrictions, European Aquatics has delayed implementing the change until September 1st. This means that Russian competitors at the championships in Paris are still competing as neutral athletes. Chikunova’s win was one of five medals claimed by Russian swimmers on Friday, including gold in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay. By the end of the day, Russian athletes had amassed a total of 26 medals – nine of which were gold.

Moscow's Stance on Sports Bans

Moscow has consistently criticized what it describes as the politicization of sport, maintaining that athletes should be evaluated solely based on their athletic achievements. This position underscores Russia’s frustration with the restrictions imposed on its competitors and its call for a return to merit-based competition.

As of Friday, Russian athletes had secured 26 medals at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, including nine gold medals, signaling a strong performance despite ongoing limitations. The full implementation of restored participation rights by European Aquatics is expected on September 1st.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.