A Russian gymnast is reportedly facing a lengthy ban from the sport following his shocking act at the medal podium.
Ivan Kuliak, a male Russian gymnast, was seen wearing a “Z” on his singlet at the medal podium during a World Cup event.
The “Z” is reportedly seen as a symbol of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Guardian had more:
After winning bronze in the parallel bars final at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Kuliak taped the letter “Z” to the front of his outfit before standing next to the gold medallist, Illia Kovtun of Ukraine, for the national anthems.
The “Z” is regarded as particularly incendiary given it has been seen daubed on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and has come to symbolise support for president Vladimir Putin and the invasion.
Kuliak, 20, was unable to wear the Russian flag as it had already been banned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
Kuliak could be facing significant punishment for his act.
Just saw that Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak wore ‘Z’ symbol at the World Cup in Doha yesterday to show his support for the war in Ukraine. Can’t think of a more disgusting thing to do and a better reason to ban Russia from sporting events altogether instead of current half measures pic.twitter.com/1rmV5UNQnR
— Tadeusz Giczan 🇺🇦 (@TadeuszGiczan) March 6, 2022
Kuliak could reportedly lose his bronze medal and/or face further punishment from the sport.
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