From words to deeds.
Olympic gymnastics champion Oleg Verniyev has decided to enlist in the Ukrainian army to defend his homeland from the Russian invasion that began more than a month ago and claimed many lives.
The 28-year-old Verniyev, who won the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics in parallel and the silver medal in the multi-event competition, did not remain indifferent to the difficult difficult period and posted a picture wearing an army uniform and marking hooks with his fingers, symbolizing victory.
Recently, Donetsk-born Verniyev decided to exaggerate his reactions against the war and its sporting connection, when he initially demanded 'no more Russia in international sports', when he also posted a post against the Russian athletes who appeared at the war support conference, wearing Olympic medals.
💙💛 #UCRANIA 🇺🇦 #OlegVerniaiev Olympic Gymnastics Champion in # RĂoDeJaneiro2016, saliĂł to defend Ukraine with an arm in the mano.
He joined #Donetsk and posted a photo in military uniform on his #Instagram.
pic.twitter.com/Uycy3KQDnU
- César Jiménez Mtz (@cmjimenezxto) April 6, 2022
In addition, he posted a picture of gymnast Ivan Kuliak facing a one-year suspension, after displaying on the podium the controversial "Z" emblem associated with the war in Ukraine and writing: "Let the Russians not shout that the sport is out of politics, glory to Ukraine!".
Verniyev, one of the country's most decorated gymnasts, who has also won the World and European Championships, is the latest in a growing line of Ukrainian athletes to take up arms against the Russians, when just two weeks ago, Vladimir Kostyuk, the finalist of the 2021 European Championships, announced he would join the Ukrainian army.
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