Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is being investigated after dressed in a countrywide conflict image on his leotard as he stood subsequent to a Ukrainian rival at the podium in Qatar on Saturday.
The Global Gymnastics Federation (FIG) stated it had opened disciplinary lawsuits towards Kuliak for his “surprising behaviour” on the Equipment Global Cup in Doha.
Kuliak earned bronze within the parallel bars ultimate and displayed a letter ‘Z’ taped to his chest as he stood subsequent to gold medal winner Illia Kovtun of Ukraine.
The letter Z has grow to be symbolic with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has been noticed painted at the facet of tanks and army automobiles, in addition to being worn via pro-war politicians in Russia.
This weekend used to be the general alternative for Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete after their international locations have been sanctioned via the FIG on account of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
From Monday, Russian and Belarusian athletes, officers and judges is probably not allowed to participate in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions.
