A Russian athlete has sparked an outrage after he wore a national war symbol on stage with a Ukrainian rival.
Gymnast Ivan Kuliak won a bronze medal in the parallel bars at a competition in Qatar on Saturday while Ukrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun earned the top spot.
According to reports, Kuliak was not able to wear Russia’s official uniform because of a ban on Belarusian and Russian athletes representing their countries due to the invasion of Ukraine.
But that didn’t stop Kuliak from showing his feelings about the conflict by wearing a pro-war symbol the medal ceremony.
Instead of sporting a Russian crest, the gymnast had a makeshift white ‘z’ on his chest, a symbol that means ‘victory’ within Russia’s forces.
The symbol has also been worn by influencers and politicians who support Putin’s war against Ukraine.
Reports say that Kuliak had training with the armed forces last year.
The ‘z’ symbol was used when it was spray painted onto Russian armored vehicles and tanks which crossed the border and entered the Ukraine territory.
Merchandise presenting the symbol is also being sold by news outlet Russia Today, which has been banned in the EU.
When Kuliak stood on stage with the symbol on his chest while standing next to Kovtun, he knew he was making a statement.
Even though Kovtun won the event, it seemed he had noticed the symbol as he had no expression when he was presented with his medal.
He shook won with Milad Karimi of Kazakhstan, who won bronze, but ignored Kuliak during the medal ceremony.
People took to FIG’s page to demand the Russian gymnast be punished for his actions.
“This was extremely violent. Imagine how traumatic this must have been for the Ukrainian athletes. Shame. He should not be there in the first place. I hope FIG will punish this action,” one person wrote.
“Ban Ivan Kuliak from gymnastics immediately! Putting letter Z is like putting Swastika on the uniform – that’s supporting war, killing innocent people, promoting hate and putting this beautiful sport to shame,” another added.
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