Ivan Kuliak, a Russian gymnast, is facing disciplinary action for wearing an emblem associated with the invasion of Ukraine on his costume.
Kuliak taped the Z sign to his vest for a medal ceremony at a World Cup tournament in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. The Z sign is visible on Russian tanks and military vehicles in Ukraine and is welcomed by war supporters.
In parallel bars, he came in third place, competing against a gold medalist from Ukraine.
His “awful behaviour” was condemned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which requested an investigation by its independent integrity team.
The 20-year-old Kuliak was able to compete in Qatar because a ban on Russian and Belarussian athletes did not take effect until Monday.
The previous national junior all-around champion did not compete in the Tokyo Olympics. He now faces a ban under the FIG’s disciplinary rules.
According to the code, gymnasts can be punished if they behave in an unpleasant manner, degrade gymnastics’ image, or engage in anti-sport conduct.
According to reports, the Z emblem was first seen on Russian trucks as they gathered before the invasion of Ukraine. It’s possible that it’s a recognition marker designed to avoid friendly firing.
It has been a popular way for Russians to show their support for the conflict since the invasion.
