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Swimming Australia has this morning welcomed a decision by world swimming governing body FINA to cancel the World Junior Championships, scheduled to place in the Russian city of Kazan in August.

Also advising that it has made the decision to not send teams to any other events currently scheduled for Russia, including the FINA World Short Course Championships in December, Swimming Australia explained that the decision has been made with athlete and staff safety the priority, while also acknowledging the role the that sports must play within the international landscape.

Swimming Australia also stated that it "strongly condemns the actions of the Russian Government and is appalled by the developments in Ukraine".

Noting that athlete safety is the top priority of any sport, while taking a leadership position on appropriate issues was also important, Swimming Australia Chief Executive, Eugenie Buckley commented "the decision not to send our athletes to Russia is based on safety reasons first and foremost.

“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.”

Given the importance of the pathway to Swimming Australia, an alternate international event is being planned for the Juniors swim team with our Pan Pacific partners.

Swimming Australia advised that it "will continue to monitor the situation ahead of the FINA World Championships in Budapest in June".

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