Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is being investigated for displaying 'shocking' war symbol on podium next to Ukrainian rival

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is being investigated after wearing a national war symbol on his leotard as he stood next to a Ukrainian rival on the podium in Qatar on Saturday. Kuliak's garment had a taped letter «Z» placed on it which has been seen on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine to symbolise support for the invasion.

Ad/> Kuliak, a former all-around and floor national junior champion, won bronze in the parallel bars final on Saturday. Tokyo 2020History-maker Kinsella backing fervent Olympic fever to unite the nation10/08/2021 AT 16:19 The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has labelled Kuliak's behaviour as «shocking».

“The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Qatar,” a statement from the governing body said. /> It had already been decided that from Monday all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will be banned from future competitions.

“The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on 4 March,” FIG said in a statement. “From 7 March 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions.” GymnasticsPage swapping Olympic heroics for Humberside after bagging brilliant Tokyo bronze10/08/2021 AT 12:08 GymnasticsBrave Biles bounces back from adversity to battle to bronze on final day of gymnastics at Tokyo 202004/08/2021 AT 15:08