On the way to severe punishment? In Russia it is claimed that gymnast Ivan Kuliak is facing a one-year ban from the sport after displaying the controversial “Z” emblem associated with the war in Ukraine.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) began disciplinary action against Kuliak earlier this month, following what the organization called "shocking behavior" at the Doha Gymnastics World Cup.
Kuliak was photographed on stage yesterday at a rally in support of the war, re-introducing the letter "Z".
The letter Z was seen on Russian military vehicles and cannons during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to reports, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the Z symbol means "to win".
Ivan Kuliak at Gymnastics World Cup Doha.
Standing proudly on the podium next to Ukrainian with symbol of Russian invasion on his chest.
Try again.
pic.twitter.com/R1at5EyIeU
- Corporal Nobbs (@Noby_Nobbs) March 5, 2022
Russian gymnastics association coordinator Valentina Rudyenko told Russia's official state news agency, TASS, that the World Gymnastics Association will require a one-year suspension from the sport, with the decision expected by the Ethics Foundation by the end of March.
Rudyonenko claimed she was facing a similar sanction as the head of the delegation at the event, along with coach Igor Klabushkin.
The member of the World Cup delegation claimed that the country was "humiliated" because of the decision to prevent Russian athletes from participating in competitions, in response to an invasion of Ukraine.
"It was proposed to disqualify me as the head of the delegation, the coach Klabushkin and the athlete himself, for one year," Rodyenko told TASS.
"The International Federation has made this decision under pressure from the Ukrainians, and some have even advocated disqualification for our lifetime."
"Ukrainian athletes in Doha also violated all competition rules, they went up to the podium wrapped in their national flag, refused to participate in the medal ceremonies if our girls participated. I want to say I have never experienced such humiliation in my very long coaching career, I have not experienced such a thing even after Our boycott of the 1984 U.S. Olympics.
We were not humiliated in Qatar, we were humiliated by our country. "
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us