Russia Stripped of World Junior Swimming Championships

Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP
Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP
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Russia Stripped of World Junior Swimming Championships

Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP
Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP

Swimming's governing body FINA pulled the world junior championships from Russia Monday and said no other events will be held in the country "if this grave crisis continues".

Swimming powerhouse Australia welcomed the decision, which came after criticism that FINA had been slow to follow other sports in cancelling events following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"FINA remains extremely concerned with the continuing war in Ukraine and following ongoing consultation with athletes and stakeholders from the aquatics family, FINA can confirm that the eighth World Junior Swimming Championships is cancelled," it said on Twitter.

"FINA will not be holding any future events in Russia if this grave crisis continues," it added.

The World Junior Championships were due to be held in Kazan in August with the short course titles scheduled for December in the same city.

Swimming Australia said it would be boycotting all competitions in Russia, including the World Short Course Championships, which are yet to be axed officially.

"The decision has been made with athlete and staff safety the priority, whilst also acknowledging the role that sports must play within the international landscape," it said in a statement.

"Swimming Australia strongly condemns the actions of the Russian government and is appalled by the developments in Ukraine."

The long-course world championships are due to be held in Hungary, which borders Ukraine, in June.

Swimming Australia said it "will continue to monitor the situation" before a final decision on whether to attend.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked widespread reaction in the sports world, with the UEFA Champions League final moved to France and Formula One's Russian Grand Prix cancelled.



Ronaldo Takes Family to Lapland for Christmas Vacation

Cristiano Ronaldo in action. (AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo in action. (AFP)
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Ronaldo Takes Family to Lapland for Christmas Vacation

Cristiano Ronaldo in action. (AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo in action. (AFP)

Football star Cristiano Ronaldo said it was “just a little cold” as he posed bare-chested in the snow before taking an icy dip in a pool during a Christmas vacation in Finland’s Lapland region.

The 39-year-old Portuguese international traveled with partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children, who met Santa Claus in a 10-minute video posted online by Ronaldo on Tuesday.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United great appeared to decline to ski with his family. He wished his followers — including 645 million on Instagram — a “Merry Christmas” in Spanish.

The Al-Nassr striker is on a winter break from the Saudi Pro League until Jan. 9.