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Ukraine Expels Diver Sofiia Lyskun and Strips Titles After She Switches to Russia

Officials plan to ask international bodies to impose a competition quarantine under current neutral‑athlete rules.

Overview

  • Lyskun disclosed the change of citizenship and sporting allegiance in an interview with Russia’s Izvestia earlier this week.
  • The Ukrainian federation said she failed to inform the body, her coaches, or the country’s sports ministry before deciding.
  • The executive committee voiced “deep indignation” and said it will petition for a “sports quarantine” via international institutions.
  • World Aquatics has eased post‑2022 restrictions so some Russians and Belarusians can compete as neutrals, with team entries expanding in January.
  • Lyskun, an Olympian in Tokyo and Paris and the 2024 European 10m synchro champion with Kseniia Bailo, cited what she called coaching incompetence and stalled development in Ukraine.