Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been banned from competition for at least a year after he plastered a “Z” war symbol on his chest before standing next to a Ukrainian athlete on a podium.
The 20-year-old wore the symbol symbolizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine when he won a bronze medal on parallel bars at the World Gymnastics Championships in Qatar in March.
The International Gymnastics Federation (IGF) condemned the proceedings at the time and has now ordered a suspension from competition for at least a year.
The suspension runs until May 2023, but could last if rules banning Russian flags or the country’s anthem remain in place.
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