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

Evgeny Rylov (third from left, wearing dark coat) at the rally alongside other Olympic athletes. The banner reads: 'For a world without Nazism. For Russia.'

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.

They wore the pro-war symbol of the letter 'Z' on their clothing.

Rylov won 100m and 200m 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.

His suspension took effect from 20 April.

However, as all Russian and Belarusian swimmers are currently banned from competing at Fina events until the end of the year, Rylov's suspension will effectively last only 20 days until 20 January 2023.

After the rally, Speedo announced it had terminated its sponsorship deal with Rylov.

Evgeny Rylov is a four-time Olympic medallist

• House of Maxwell: The story of one of the most extraordinary family sagas the world has ever seen
• 'A band of oddities, gentlemen and pirates': Your first look at the exciting new drama SAS Rogue Heroes from the creator of Peaky Blinders