Ivan Kuliak wore the pro-war Z symbol in the middle of his chest during a March medal ceremony of this year in Qatar. And now, he has been banned for a year and ordered to return his medal.
This comes amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the ongoing war we’re seeing today.
The symbol that Kuliak wore proudly on his chest during the medal ceremony has been seen on Russian vehicles invading Ukraine.
It’s a symbol representing support for Russia.
And as a result of this, Kuliak had his bronze medal taken away from him, as well as not being able to participate in the sport for a year.
Not only did he stand on the podium with the Z embedded onto his chest, but he stood next to Ukrainian gymnast Kovtun Illia, who won gold.
The International Gymnastics Federation released a statement yesterday, as per Insider.
They had said that the stunt breached their code of conduct, and as a result, was banned for a year, having to return his medal, and pay a fine of 2,000 swiss as well as returning his prize money.
Kuliak isn’t the only gymnast banned from the sport, though.
All Russian gymnasts have been barred since the invasion of Ukraine began.
Kuliak’s ban reportedly ends on May 17, 2023, and if the ban on Russian athletes is still in place then, his ban will last longer.
Our prayers go out to all of those suffering right now.
We stand with Ukraine.