Russian gymnast wears the symbol of the invasion of Ukraine while competing in Doha

Russian gymnasts competed at their last international gymnastics competition in the near future due to the ban and, apparently, one of them decided to go out with a bang. Ivan Kuliak who made the parallel bronze final at the Doha World Cup wore the letter “Z” on his leotard during the competition and the medal ceremony – this was his “creative” way of covering the Russian coat of arms since Russians competed as neutral athletes.

The letter, which is painted on Russian tanks and armored vehicles participating in the invasion, has become the symbol of the war for Russians. It is now proudly worn and shared on social media by those supporting the invasion. The letter is supposed to signify the Russian words “za pobedu” [for the victory].

Ukrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun competed in the same final as Ivan Kuliak and shared the medal podium with him – Kovtun won gold and Kuliak won bronze. 18-year-old Kovtun left Ukraine in the end of February to compete at the Cottbus World Cup. On February 24th, the first day of the competition at Cottbus, he woke up to learn that his country had been invaded by Russia and Kiyv where he lives and trains is being bombed. For nine days, Kovtun and other members of the Ukrainian delegations had to train and compete abroad while constantly worrying about their loved ones back in Ukraine. Kuliak’s act of wearing the symbol of the invasion to the competition can be considered an act of harassment and intimidation towards Ukrainian gymnasts and a violation of the FIG’s Code of Conduct. As such, it could potentially inflict disciplinary sanctions against Kuliak.

Gymnovosti has reached out to the FIG for a comment on the situation.