Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov banned for nine months for attending pro-war rally.

Russian Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov has been suspended for nine months by swimming’s world governing body Fina after attending a rally in support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Rylov, 25, was among a number of athletes present at the rally, hosted by Russian president Vladimir Putin at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in March. They wore the pro-war symbol of the letter ‘Z’ on their clothing.

Rylov won 100 meters and 200 meters backstroke gold in Tokyo last summer.

Fina said it was banning him from all competitions and activities organized or sanctioned by Fina following his attendance and conduct at the event the suspension took effect from 20 April.

Seun Fakorede