Ivan Kuliak said he did ‘nothing wrong’, while the gymnast’s trainer revealed her concerns over a long suspension
Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak insists he should not be banned for his show of support for his country’s armed forces at a recent competition, with the young star’s coach saying she is braced for a lengthy suspension.
Kuliak appeared on the podium at a World Cup event in Doha earlier this month with a ‘Z’ sign attached to his leotard. The 20-year-old year later explained he had taken the step because of what he described as “unacceptable” behavior from Ukrainian rivals, whom he accused of “greatly escalating” the atmosphere at the competition.
Kuliak later told RT that he displayed the ‘Z’ sign – which has been added to Russian military vehicles and equipment during the operation in Ukraine – because the symbol is “for victory and for peace,” and that he would not hesitate to make the gesture again.
READ MORE: Russian gymnast explains ‘Z’ letter choice
The Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) has opened a disciplinary case against Kuliak, with Russian head coach Valentina Rodionenko fearing at least a one-year ban for the star.
Facing that prospect, Kuliak has reiterated that, in his mind, he was not in the wrong.
“In general, I consider the decision to [potentially] suspend me unfair,” said the gymnast, according to Life.ru.
