Friday, November 22, 2024

‘Shocking behaviour’: Russian gymnast displays ‘Z’ on podium next to Ukrainian winner | Gymnastics

Date:

Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak, who was wearing a badge associated with the invasion Ukraine On the medal platform, he was called “for his shocking behaviour”.

Kolyak’s shirt had the letter “Z” in a prominent place while standing next to Ukraine’s Kovtun Ilya, gold medalist in the Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha.

The letter “Z”, a letter not found in the Russian Cyrillic alphabet, was seen inscribed on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and came to symbolize support for the invasion.

Kolya, the former junior world champion, won the bronze medal on Saturday.

Ukraine's Ilya Kovtun won the gold medal against Ivan Kulyak in third place.
Ukraine’s Ilya Kovtun won the gold medal against Ivan Kulyak in third place. Photo: Claro Sports

“The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it will request the Foundation for Gymnastics Ethics to open disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kolya after his shocking behavior at the World Cup Apparatus in Doha, Qatar,” a statement from the Governing Council read.

It had already been decided to ban all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts from participating in future competitions from Monday.

“FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on March 4,” FIG said in a statement. “As of March 7, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to participate in FIG competitions or competitions authorized by FIG.”

In making its decision, FIFA said it had taken into account the latest recommendations from the International Olympic Committee, the position of the Athletes Committee and the “deep concerns” and positions expressed by several national gymnastics federations.

Quick guide

How do I sign up for breaking sports news alerts?

Displays

  • Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhones or Google Play Store on Android phones by searching for “The Guardian”.
  • If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you are using the latest version.
  • In the Guardian app, tap the yellow button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
  • Turn on sports notifications.

Thank you for your feedback.

The Russian invasion was condemned worldwide, pushed more than 1.5 million Ukrainians to flee abroad, and triggered sweeping Western-led sanctions designed to cripple the Russian economy. On Sunday, eight civilians were killed outside the capital, Kyiv, when Russian forces bombed a bridge as they tried to flee to safety.

See also  Cristiano Ronaldo received an offer from a Saudi club

POPULAR

RELATED ARTICLES

How Climate Change Affects Turtle Nesting Sites: What You Need to Know

Climate change is an ever-growing concern, and its effects...

Putin, a member of the International Criminal Court, is set to travel to Mongolia despite an arrest warrant against him

Despite an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court,...

Japan Typhoon: Millions ordered to evacuate as one of strongest typhoons in decades hits Japan

What's the latest?Posted at 12:48 BST12:48 GMTImage source ReutersTyphoon...