Russia critical of plan for swimmers to compete as ‘neutral’

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Russian officials have criticized a plan to offer some of its swimmers the chance to return to international competitions ahead of the Paris Olympics, arguing it doesn’t go far enough.

It could be another five months before any Russian swimmers compete at a major event.

Governing body World Aquatics has excluded swimmers from Russia and its ally Belarus since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, but on Monday launched a scheme to grant “Neutral Individual Athlete” status to athletes who pass a vetting procedure.

The measure comes with conditions. World Aquatics…