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Russian gymnast cops one-year ban over 'revolting' act on podium

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·5-min read
Ivan Kuliak, pictured here wearing the 'Z' symbol on the podium next to Ukrainian rival Illia Kovtun.
Ivan Kuliak wore the 'Z' symbol on the podium next to Ukrainian rival Illia Kovtun. Image: Twitter

A Russian gymnast who wore a pro-war symbol on his outfit during a medal ceremony after losing to a Ukrainian rival has copped a year-long ban from the sport.

Ivan Kuliak won a bronze medal at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Qatar in March, with Illia Kovtun of Ukraine winning gold.

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Kuliak sparked outrage around the world after wearing a 'Z' symbol on the front of his uniform - a symbol hat has commonly been associated with Russia's war effort.

Pro-war advocates in Russia have been wearing the symbol on their clothing, while it is also frequently seen on Russian tanks and military vehicles.

On Wednesday, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced that Kuliak has been suspended for 12 months.

A man with the 'Z' symbol on his shirt, pictured here in Moscow.
A man with the 'Z' symbol on his shirt in Moscow. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

He was investigated by the Disciplinary Commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF), which elected to disqualify him from the Apparatus World Cup and ordered him to return his bronze medal and his prize money.

Announcing additional sanctions against Kuliak, a FIG statement said: "Mr Kuliak is not allowed to participate in any FIG-sanctioned event or competition organised by an affiliated FIG member federation for one year as of the date of this decision.

"If the protective measures keeping Russian athletes from competing are still in place on 17 May 2023, the ban shall continue and expire six months after the removal of said measures."

Russian athletes are currently not allowed to compete under their nation's flag or have the Russian anthem played at events.

Men, pictured here wearing riding in WWII-era motorcycles adorned with stickers of the letter Z in Russia.
Men wearing historical uniforms ride in WWII-era motorcycles adorned with stickers of the letter Z in Russia. (Photo by ROSTISLAV NETISOV/AFP via Getty Images) (ROSTISLAV NETISOV via Getty Images)

Russia fumes over ban for Ivan Kuliak

Kovtun reportedly shook hands with silver medallist Milad Karimi on the podium, but did not acknowledge Kuliak.

Kuliak has expressed no remorse during the course of the investigation.

“If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I would do the same," he told Russia Today.

“I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out to be 'for victory' and 'for peace'.

"I just wanted to show my position. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and play for peace.”

Russian State Duma Sports Committee chairman Dmitry Svishchev slammed the ban.

"It is surprising to me that several letters of the Latin alphabet were included in the list of banned by the international federation and the organisers of the tournament in Doha," Svishchev told the country's official state news agency TASS.

"When I looked at the regulations, I did not see that they were included in the list of prohibited signs, which is why a person can fall under sanctions.

"I personally do not see any offensive, discriminatory, nationalistic signs in Kuliak's act, just as the entire normal civilised world does not see it.

"But, unfortunately, the Federation cannot cope with the pressure of politicians, big business tycoons, regulating the law or lawlessness in sports."

Kuliak also wore the symbol during his routine, with fans at the time labelling his actions "disgusting" and "revolting".

with agencies

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