A Russian gymnast who wore a letter on a medal pedestal related to the invasion of Ukraine was blown up with a sports body.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said it would open disciplinary proceedings against Russian artistic gymnast Ivan Kulyak for his “shocking behavior” in displaying a symbol of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during an event.
The 20-year-old, who placed third in the uneven bars event final at the World Appliance Cup in Qatar’s capital Doha on Saturday, had a “Z” prominently displayed on the front of his kit as he stood next to Ukrainian Ilya Kovtun. who won the gold.
Russian troops used the letter Z as an identification mark on their tanks and vehicles in Ukraine following Moscow’s invasion of the neighboring country. Some invaders also display this symbol.
“The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will apply to the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to initiate disciplinary proceedings against … Kulyak due to his shocking behavior at the World Apparatus Championships,” FIG said in a statement on Sunday.
Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation” aimed not at occupying the territory, but at destroying the military potential of its neighbors and capturing those whom it considers dangerous nationalists.
The FIG has already canceled all of its events in Russia and Belarus, adding that it will not host other events in those two countries until further notice.
Belarus has been a key foothold for Russian troops.
“On March 4, the FIG took additional measures regarding Russia and Belarus. As of March 7, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to compete in FIG competitions or in FIG-sanctioned competitions,” the statement reads.