‘Appalled’: Australian swimmers to boycott world championship in Russia

Swimming Australia has declared it will boycott the World Short Course Championships in Russia, saying it is “appalled” by the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Despite the championships in Kazan being scheduled for December, the sporting body has made it known it will refuse to send teams to any events in Russia. It follows Fina’s decision on Sunday to cancel the World Junior Championships in the same Russian city in August.

Swimming Australia said on Monday it “strongly condemns” the actions of the Russian government and president Vladimir Putin, with the country’s troops continuing their military assaults in Ukraine after last week’s invasion.

“The decision not to send our athletes to Russia is based on safety reasons first and foremost,” SA boss Eugenie Buckley said. “We would also like to see Fina consider relocating these events to alternate locations so our swimmers have the opportunity to race in a safe environment.”

SA will plan to organise an alternate meeting for its junior swimmers, partnering with other swimming organisations in the southern hemisphere and Asia. This year’s World Championships are scheduled to be held in the Hungarian capital of Budapest in June.

Fina condemned the Russian invasion but said “sport should remain politically neutral”.

“Other Fina events that are scheduled in Russia for later in the year are under close review, with Fina monitoring events in Ukraine very carefully,” a statement read.

“Fina pledges to provide whatever practical support it can give to any member of our aquatic family impacted by this situation.”

Prime minister Scott Morrison is urging Australian sporting organisations and athletes to boycott any events in Russia.

“I commend those Australians that are saying they