The 20-year-old used to be condemned by way of the Global Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for his “surprising conduct” at a gymnastics Global Cup tournament in Doha, Qatar, final weekend.
The ‘Z’ insignia has been displayed on tanks and automobiles utilized by the Russian army in its Ukraine operations and has since grow to be a logo of reinforce for the invasion of Ukraine.
Propaganda movies on social media seem to turn supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin dressed in clothes that includes the ‘Z’ image, waving Russian flags and chanting pro-Russia slogans.
“If there used to be a 2nd likelihood and I’d once more have to select whether or not to head out with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or now not, I’d just do the similar,” Kuliakis quoted as pronouncing in Russia-controlled media outlet Russia These days.
“I noticed it with our army and checked out what this image approach. It became out [it means], ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace.’
“I did not want anything else dangerous on any person, I simply confirmed my place. As an athlete, I will be able to all the time struggle for victory and stand for peace.”
Having won expressions of reinforce from the top of his game’s governing frame in Russia, the Creative Gymnastics Federation of Russia (FSGR), Vasily Titov, Kuliak says he used to be pissed off by way of the Ukrainian athletes once they displayed their nationwide flag on the tournament in Doha.
The FIG showed in a commentary it could ask the Gymnastics Ethics Basis (GEF) to open disciplinary lawsuits towards Kuliak. The GEF informed CNN that it could not touch upon pending or possible instances as a question of process.
