A Russian gymnast is under investigation after he made a symbol at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha that seemed to show clear support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ivan Kuliak, who finished third in the parallel bars, an event won by his Ukrainian rival, had a 'Z' taped to his body as he stood on the podium next to Ukrainian Illia Kovtun.
The letter 'Z', which does not exist in the Russian language, is painted on Russian military vehicles invading Ukraine in order to properly identify them.
Un atleta ruso subió al podio con un sÃmbolo de la invasión a Ucrania, en la Copa del Mundo de gimnasia artÃstica
— Apolitico 🇺🇦 (@ApoliticoX) March 6, 2022
El gimnasta ruso Ivan Kuliak terminó tercero en barras paralelas y apareció en el podio con una “Z”. A su lado, estaba el ganador: el ucraniano Illia Kovtun. pic.twitter.com/SXTRPFVNGs
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said it will take action against the 'shocking behaviour', and said in a statement:
"The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup. The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on 4 March. From 7 March, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions."
It is thought that Russia has decided to use the 'Z' as it is the first sound in 'За победу' which means 'for the victory'.
Some have said that the Z should now be regarded as 'Putin's swastika', the symbol used by the German Nazi party.
Russia has been banned from almost every major sporting event by the world's governing bodies, and recently all Belarussian and Russian athletes were banned from taking part in the Paralympics in Beijing.
At the Olympic level, Russia was already banned due to widespread doping, and athletes were forced to competed under the team name 'Russian Olympic Committee' as oppose to competing for 'Russia'. It now looks likely all Russian and Belarussian athletes will be banned completely from taking part in any events at all. Similarly, international football teams have said they will refuse to play the Russian national football team under any circumstances. FIFA has yet to make a decision regarding Russia's future participation.
[Based on reporting by: Sky News]
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