Ivan Kuliak

2022 - 3 - 7

Gymnast faces disciplinary action after appearing to wear Russian war symbol on podium (unknown)

Ivan Kuliak is facing disciplinary action from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) after appearing to wear a Russian war symbol on the podium at a ...

"The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on 4 March. From 7 March 2022. As the athletes stood on the podium, Kuliak was seen with a 'Z' taped across the front of his shirt - a symbol which has been reported to mean 'victory' in Russian and which has been seen on tanks taking part in the invasion. - A symbol which has been reported to mean "victory" in Russian and which has been seen on tanks taking part in the invasion.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Ukraine war: Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak to be investigated by ... (Sky News)

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) cancelled all of its events in Russia and Belarus, adding it would not allocate other events to the two ...

The FIG has already cancelled all of its events in Russia and Belarus adding that it would not allocate other events to the two countries until further notice. The FIG said in a statement: "The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) cancelled all of its events in Russia and Belarus, adding it would not allocate other events to the two countries until further notice following Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine invasion: Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak taunts Ukrainian ... (Newshub)

Ukrainian Illia Kovtun won parallel bars at Doha, but received more than a gold medal at the presentation.

Russian gymnast slammed for war symbol on podium with Ukrainian (1 News)

Ivan Kuliak took bronze at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup but it wasn't his performance that had people talking.

Kuliak's actions came under heavy fire on social media with fans labelling his actions "disgusting" and "shameful" while others asked for him to be punished. However, when the trio came together at the medal ceremony Kuliak turned heads with his decision to tape a makeshift "Z" on his kit - a symbol supporters of Russian president Vladimir Putin have worn. A Russian gymnast has come under heavy criticism after appearing to wear a pro-war symbol while standing beside a Ukrainian athlete on the podium.

Russian gymnast wears war symbol on shirt while sharing podium ... (Stuff.co.nz)

Standing on the podium alongside a Ukrainian competition winner, Ivan Kuliak wore a big 'Z' on his chest, a pro-war symbol of the Russian invasion.

“The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on March 4. But that didn’t stop the 20-year-old former Russian junior champion from making a defiant statement on the war as he received his bronze medal, taping a makeshift ‘Z’ on his chest – which symbolically represents 'victory' in Russian and has been painted on tanks and other military vehicles in Ukraine. A Russian gymnast is being investigated by the sport’s governing body for his “shocking behaviour” when he wore a pro-war symbol on his chest while standing on the podium next to a Ukrainian rival.

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak faces disciplinary action for wearing invasion symbol next to Ukraine rival on podium (unknown)

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak sported a "Z' insignia linked to the invasion of Ukraine on a podium as he stood next to Ukrainian rival.

Kuliak, a former national junior all-around champion who did not compete at the Tokyo Olympics, now faces a ban under the FIG disciplinary code. The code allows gymnasts to be punished for acts that "behave in an offensive way," "damage the image of gymnastics" or "demonstrate anti-sport behavior." Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who sported an insignia linked to his country's military invasion of Ukraine on a medals podium, is facing disciplinary action for his "shocking" behavior on Sunday, the International Gymnastics Federation said.