Ivan Kuliak, a Russian gymnast being investigated for wearing a pro-war symbol

Ivan Kuliak, a Russian gymnast, is being investigated after wearing a national war symbol on his leotard while competing on the podium in Qatar on Saturday.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced that it had initiated disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak for his “shocking behaviour” at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha. Kuliak took bronze in the parallel bars final and stood next to gold medalist Illia Kovtun of Ukraine, who had a letter ‘Z’ taped to his chest. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the letter Z has become symbolic, and it has been seen painted on the sides of tanks and military vehicles, as well as worn by pro-war politicians in Russia.

This weekend was the last chance for Russian and Belarussian gymnasts to compete after their countries were sanctioned by the FIG following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Athletes, officials, and judges from Russia and Belarus will be barred from competing in FIG or FIG-sanctioned competitions beginning Monday.

Picture Courtesy: Google/Images are subject to copyright