Vladimir Salnikov © Getty Images

A Russian swimming official said Saturday that about 30 swimmers are applying for neutral status and visas to compete in the short course world championships in Budapest next month.

Vice President of the Russian Swimming Federation Vladimir Salnikov said RIA Novosti According to the official news agency, the swimmers were in the process of applying for neutrality status.

“Now they all have to submit documents to get a visa, swimmers are in the process of getting neutral status,” Salnikov said.

“If we talk about the final composition, it is around 30 people,” he added.

Russian and Belarusian allies athletes were barred from world sport after Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

They are allowed to compete as neutrals under strict rules that include no public support for the Russian military incursion.

World Aquatics recently relaxed its rules for neutral competitors, allowing some team events.

“I really hope that all these plans will result in them participating in the world championships,” Salnikov said of the Russian swimmers.

Russia is currently organizing a national swimming tournament in St. Petersburg which constitutes a qualifying event for Budapest.