The International Gymnastics Federation has announced that it has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the athlete for his “shocking behavior” at the World Cup in Doha.
After winning bronze in the parallel discipline, Kulaks affixed the letter “Z” to his chest and climbed to the podium next to the gold medalist Ilya Kovtun, a Ukrainian.
The letter Z has become symbolic with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been seen on the sides of occupying tanks and military vehicles. The symbol is also worn by Russian politicians advocating war.
This weekend, Russian and Belarusian athletes were given one last chance to participate in the competition.
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From Monday, Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials and judges will not be allowed to take part in competitions organized by the International Gymnastics Federation.
