Russian athlete’s chilling podium act after losing to Ukrainian rival

A Russian gymnast has sparked an uproar after donning a pro-war detail on his uniform while standing adjacent to a Ukrainian athlete.

Ivan Kuliak, a former junior champion, had just placed third behind Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun in the parallel bars at a World Cup event in Doha when he took to the podium with a letter Z emblazoned on his chest.

Upon taking to the podium Kovtun shook hands with silver medalist Kazakh Karimi of Kazakhstan - but refused to acknowledge his Russian counterpart.

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While the letter Z does not actually exist within Russia’s alphabet, it has featured prominently on tanks and other military vehicles during their ongoing war efforts.

On the streets of Ukraine it’s thought to be a way of separating themselves from Ukrainian soldiers - away from the battleground it’s a show of support.

Kuliak’s statement didn’t go unnoticed either with critics demanding he be stripped of his bronze medal and face an immediate suspension from the sport.

“Can’t think of a more disgusting thing to do and a better reason to ban Russia from sporting events altogether instead of current half measures,” Ukrainian journalist Tadeus Giczan wrote.

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Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been banned from the Winter Paralympics, in a stunning backflip from the International Paralympic Committee after multiple teams and athletes threatened to boycott the Beijing Games.

The IPC backed down on Wednesday evening’s decision to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutral athletes, without their colours, flags and other national symbols,