Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been banned from competitors for no less than a 12 months after taping a ‘Z’ battle image to his chest earlier than standing on a podium subsequent to a Ukrainian athlete.
The 20-year-old wore the image that represents the Russian invasion of Ukraine as he was given a bronze medal in parallel bars at a gymnastics world cup occasion in Qatar in March.
The Worldwide Gymnastics Federation (IGF) condemned the actions on the time and have now dominated that he can be banned from competing for no less than a 12 months.
The suspension will run till Could 2023, however may go on if guidelines on banning Russian flags or the nation’s anthem are nonetheless in place then.
Kuliak has additionally been disqualified from the World Cup and has to return the bronze medal and prize cash he received.
On high of returning that prize cash, of round £400, he should pay the prices of the investigation of £1,600.
The 20-year-old’s transfer was condemned as ‘stunning behaviour’ by the IGF on the time.
An announcement from the governing physique learn: ‘The Worldwide Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it'll ask the Gymnastics Ethics Basis to open disciplinary proceedings towards Ivan Kuliak following his stunning behaviour on the Equipment World Cup in Doha, Qatar.’
Kuliak, although, defended his actions, telling Russia At this time: ‘If there was a second likelihood and I had a alternative whether or not to exit with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I might do the identical.
‘I noticed it on our army and checked out what this image means. It turned out to be ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’.
‘I simply needed to indicate my place. As an athlete, I'll all the time struggle for victory and play for peace.’
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