Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak given one-year ban for wearing pro-war symbol Z

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been handed a one-year ban by a disciplinary committee for sporting a symbol supporting Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on the medal podium in Doha in March.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) that was investigating the incident said Kuliak violated rules by wearing the insignia “Z” and has been banned from FIG-sanctioned events till at least 17 May 2023.

Kuliak, who is an artistic gymnast, won a bronze medal at the Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha. The 20-year-old was seen displaying the letter “Z” on his chest as he arrived on the podium to receive his medal in an event won by Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun.