CNN
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Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who has been extensively criticized exterior Russia for sporting a pro-war image on a podium subsequent to a Ukrainian athlete, says he would “do precisely the identical” if given one other probability, in keeping with Russian state media.
The 20-year-old was condemned by the Worldwide Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for his “surprising conduct” at a gymnastics World Cup occasion in Doha, Qatar, final weekend.
Kuliak wore a ‘Z’ image taped to his leotard whereas standing subsequent toUkrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun on the rostrum – Kovtun received gold and Kuliak picked up bronze within the parallel bars on Saturday.
The ‘Z’ insignia has been displayed on tanks and autos utilized by the Russian army in its Ukraine operations and has since grow to be a logo of assist for the invasion of Ukraine.
Propaganda movies on social media seem to point out supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin sporting clothes that includes the ‘Z’ image, waving Russian flags and chanting pro-Russia slogans.
“If there was a second probability and I might once more have to decide on whether or not to exit with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I might do precisely the identical,” Kuliakis quoted as saying in Russia-controlled media outlet Russia As we speak.
“I noticed it with our army and checked out what this image means. It turned out [it means], ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace.’
“I didn’t want something unhealthy on anybody, I simply confirmed my place. As an athlete, I’ll at all times combat for victory and stand for peace.”
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Having obtained expressions of assist from the pinnacle of his sport’s governing physique in Russia, the Inventive Gymnastics Federation of Russia (FSGR), Vasily Titov, Kuliak says he was irritated by the Ukrainian athletes once they displayed their nationwide flag on the occasion in Doha.
Per FIG rules on the time, Russian gymnasts on the occasion had been solely allowed to compete as impartial athletes and couldn’t show any nationwide symbols.
The FIG confirmed in an announcement it could ask the Gymnastics Ethics Basis (GEF) to open disciplinary proceedings towards Kuliak. The GEF advised CNN that it couldn’t touch upon pending or potential instances as a matter of process.
Since Monday, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officers, together with judges, aren’t allowed to participate in official FIG-sanctioned competitions following recommendation from the Worldwide Olympic Committee.
It comes because the UN Excessive Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi estimates that a minimum of two million refugees have fled Ukraine since February 24, as preventing continues throughout the nation.
