Gymnastics’ embrace of Russians highlights neutrality’s blurred lines

FIG’s endorsement of Angelina Melnikova raises eyebrows, as does its president’s hug for propagandist Nikita Nagornyy

Upon his arrival in Moscow this month, Morinari Watanabe, the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), made a curious decision. As he emerged for meetings, Watanabe was greeted by the gymnast Nikita Nagornyy. The pair embraced in a warm hug before the cameras.

Across his decade on the Russian men’s national team, Nagornyy established himself as one of the great gymnasts of his generation. A former world all-around champion, he led Russia to the men’s team gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. His eponymous triple back pike remains an audacious athletic feat.