Russian athlete who wore national war symbol faces lengthy ban

Ivan Kuliak displayed a 'Z' on his shirt during a World Cup event in Doha

A Russian gymnast who displayed a symbol which showed support for the invasion of Ukraine is now facing a lengthy ban. Ivan Kuliak won bronze representing Russia on the parallel bars during a World Cup event in Doha, where Ukrainian Ilia Kovtun took gold. When standing on the podium during the medal ceremony, the Russian clearly had the letter 'Z' printed onto his shirt in place of the Russian flag. The letter 'Z' represents 'victory' in Russian and has been spotted on numerous tanks and military vehicles during the invasion of Ukraine. https://twitter.com/TadeuszGiczan/status/1500515900730101768 Kuliak has also had a history with the military and has received training with the Russian army within the past year, as reported by the Mail. https://twitter.com/rwesthead/status/1500169855198281729 The 20-year-old's actions have since been condemned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in a statement to confirm they would investigate the incident. It said: "The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup. "The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on 4 March. "From 7 March, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions." The FIG have also confirmed that they have cancelled all events that were due to be hosted in Russia and Belarus, stating that no events would take place in the two countries until further notice. Related links:

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