Doha: Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is anticipated to be investigated for wearing a symbol supporting the invasion of Ukraine on his uniform.
For a medal ceremony at a World Cup tournament on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, Kuliak affixed the “Z” emblem — visible on Russian tanks and military vehicles in Ukraine and welcomed by war supporters — to his vest. He placed third in parallel bars and competed alongside a gold medallist from Ukraine.
“We can confirm that (FIG) has informed us that they will formally be seeking the opening of disciplinary proceedings against male artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak,” the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation said Monday.
Since the ban overall gymnasts and officials from Russia and Belarus did not take effect until Monday, the 20-year-old Kuliak was able to compete in Qatar. An earlier FIG judgment had already excluded the Russian flag from his uniform.
Kuliak, a former national junior all-around champion who didn’t participate in the Tokyo Olympics, now faces disciplinary action from the FIG. Gymnasts can be punished if they “behave in an offensive manner,” “damage the image of gymnastics,” or “demonstrate anti-sport behaviour,” according to the code.
