Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak, who wore symbols associated with the invasion of Ukraine on a medal podium, was called out for “shocking behavior.”
Kulyak’s jersey showed a “Z” as he stood next to Ukrainian Kovtun Ilya, gold medalist at the Doha Gymnastics World Cup.
The letter “Z”, which is not in Cyrillic, was seen on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and became a symbol of support for the invasion.
Kulyak, a former national junior all-around and floor champion, won the bronze medal on Saturday.
Ukrainian Ilya Kovtun won gold, and Ivan Kulyak took third place. Photo: Claro Sports“The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it will apply to the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kulyak following his shocking behavior at the World Equipment Championships in Doha, Qatar,” the governing body said in a statement.
It has already been decided that from Monday all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will be suspended from further competitions.
“On March 4, the FIG took additional measures against Russia and Belarus,” the FIG said in a statement. “From March 7, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to compete in FIG competitions or competitions sanctioned by the FIG.”
In making its decision, the FIG said it took into account the latest IOC recommendations, the position of its Athletes’ Commission, as well as the “deep concerns” and positions expressed by many national gymnastics federations.
The Russian invasion was condemned around the world, causing more than 1.5 million Ukrainians to flee abroad, and sparked massive Western-led sanctions aimed at hurting the Russian economy. On Sunday, eight civilians were killed outside the capital Kyiv when Russian troops fired on a bridge as they tried to flee to safety.