Russian Olympic champion loses sponsorship for participating in Putin's pro-war rally

Russian athletes who took part in a rally supporting President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine face criticism from international sports bodies and sponsors. Olympic medalists in skiing, gymnastics, figure skating, and swimming took to the stage at Luzhniki Stadium as part of the background for Putin's speech during the anniversary of the annexation of Crimea.

Pictures of the event show the athletes wearing jackets with a "Z" on the chest. The letter has become a symbol of support for Russian troops since it was used to identify Russian army armored vehicles operating in Ukraine. The most famous among the athletes that participated is the two-time Olympic swimming champion Evgeny Rylov.

The swimmer appeared on stage sporting his Olympic medals alongside gymnasts, skiers, and figure skaters wearing the nationalist "Z" symbol shortly before the Russian president gave the speech.

FINA Bureau met, and made further decisions on Russian and Belarusian athletes and event hosting.

FULL PRESS RELEASE 👇https://t.co/IiNIjcel4s pic.twitter.com/RyZKPdE6z8

— FINA (@fina1908) March 23, 2022

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) condemned the action and announced that it would open disciplinary proceedings against the Russian swimmer. 

"FINA is deeply disappointed by reports of Evgeny Rylov's appearance at the Luzhinki Stadium during Friday's event. We are investigating the matter," the body said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Specialized swimwear brand Speedo decided to terminate its sponsorship contract with the Russian champion after he attended the pro-war rally in Moscow to show support for the invasion. Rylov, a four-time Olympic medalist who won the 100m and 200m backstroke at the Tokyo 2020 Games, was one of eight Russian athletes who attended Putin's rally.

La Federación Internacional de Natación ha excluido a los competidores de Rusia y Bielorrusia del Mundial

🗣 Además, ha abierto un expediente disciplinario al nadador ruso Evgeny Rylov, por «su presunta participación en una concentración pro-guerra»
https://t.co/ROioyBBIw5

— El Debate (@eldebate_com) March 24, 2022

"Following his attendance at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow over the weekend, Speedo can confirm that it has terminated its sponsorship of Evgeny Rylov with immediate effect," Speedo said in a statement. "We condemn the war in Ukraine in the strongest possible terms and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, our athletes and our teammates who have been affected by the conflict."

Speedo also announced that it would donate the remainder of Rylov's sponsorship fee to the United Nations Refugee Agency, which is currently assisting Ukrainians fleeing their homes following Russia's attack.