Russian gymnast who supported invasion of Ukraine at World Cup disqualified

There are no prizes for pro-war athletes in today's sport. Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been sanctioned for wearing the letter "Z" in support of his country's military on his jersey during the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships held in Doha, Qatar. As a result, he has been disqualified, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said.

The FIG Disciplinary Commission announced that Kuliak was disqualified from the World Championships in Doha, held last March, where he won a bronze medal and a financial award that he will have to return to the organization. He must also bear the costs of the entire procedure.

The International Gymnastics Federation introduced a one year ban against Ivan Kuliak, the Russian gymnast who wore the #Z emblem during an award ceremony in the #FIG Apparatus World Cup in Doha. It also stripped him of the bronze medal he won at the event. pic.twitter.com/VyV8Wp7aKE

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) May 18, 2022

According to the FIG, the Russian gymnast "violated both the statutes and the disciplinary code and code of ethics" of the body "by wearing the letter ‘Z’ on his jersey," which is considered a show of support for the invasion of Ukraine. In addition, Kuliak will not be allowed to participate for one year in any competition organized by the International Gymnastics Federation.

Kuliak taped the "Z" on the front of his competition uniform on his chest where the Russian flag should have been. In compliance with international sanctions on Russian sport, gymnasts can only compete without their national symbols. He then refused to salute the champion, Ukrainian Illia Kovtun. The athlete will now have 21 days to appeal against this decision if he deems it appropriate.