Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been suspended for a year for wearing a symbol on his uniform supporting his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kuliak is symbolized Z on the ribbon – both written on Russian tanks and military vehicles in Ukraine and worn by supporters of the aggression – on his jacket at a medal ceremony at a World Cup event in March.
Aside from the suspension, Kuliak will have to return the bronze medal he won in the parallel bars, the International Gymnastics Federation said.
Kuliak, 20, stands next to a gold medalist from Ukraine on the podium in Doha, Qatar.
If the security measures preventing Russian athletes from participating in international competitions still remain after May 17, 2023, then the suspension will continue and expire six months after their completion. -alis.said the federation’s disciplinary committee in its judgment.
Kuliak, a former Russian junior all around champion who did not compete in the Tokyo Olympics, has 21 days to appeal the decision.
The commission also removed the head of the Russian delegation’s mission, Valentina Rodionenko, and head coach Igor Kalabushkin.
Source: Radio-Canada
