Russian gymnast Kuriak was criticized by the outside world for sticking a “Z” pattern on his uniform at the awards ceremony. Image: Retrieved from Twitter Rick Westhead (@rwesthead)
Since the start of the Ukrainian-Russian war, countries around the world have been very dissatisfied with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and have imposed sanctions on Russia in all aspects, and the international gymnastics arena is no exception. , until March 7, it was announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from participating, and the gymnastics World Cup Doha Station was the only competition between the two countries that could use their own countries to participate.
At the Doha Station of the Gymnastics World Cup, Russia’s 20-year-old gymnast Ivan Kuliak won the bronze medal in the parallel bars event at the World Cup Doha Station. Unexpectedly, when he took the stage to receive the award, he showed his “Z” in support of the motherland’s invasion of Ukraine. “The word war sign has caused public outrage. Kulyak has no regrets about this. In an interview with the Russian media “RT”, he bluntly said: “Even if there is a second chance, he will do the same thing.”
Many people have noticed the mysterious letters on Russian military vehicles since the Russians assembled their troops on the Ukrainian border. Many Russian tanks and armored vehicles are painted with “V” and “Z” marks, which have caused heated discussions and widespread speculation. In this regard, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on social media on March 3: Russian military vehicles The letter “Z” on the top represents “victory”, while the “V” stands for “the power of truth”, revealing the meaning of Russia’s successful occupation of Ukraine, which is why Kulyak openly showed “” The “Z” war sign caused the uproar. Afterwards, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) also appealed to the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF), demanding disciplinary action against Kulyak.
In an interview with Russian media, Kulyak said that he has not yet received an investigation from the International Gymnastics Federation, but he explained, “I did see the word used by our army. I studied whether it is ‘victory’ and ‘victory’ “Peace” symbol, I don’t think it’s a bad sign for anyone, as an athlete, go all out on the court to win, stand for peace, that’s all.” Kulyak even said that The International Gymnastics Federation responded by banning them from the competition, saying, “We have done nothing wrong to anyone.”
In this Gymnastics World Cup Duha Station, Ivan Kuliak won the bronze medal in the parallel bars event at the World Cup Duha Station, but the gold medalist in the men’s parallel bars is a Ukrainian player, which is particularly ironic.
The high-profile show “Z” word turmoil continues to heat up!Russian gymnast says he has no regrets
Showing off the “Z” war symbol supporting the motherland’s invasion of Ukraine has aroused public outrage. Kulyak has no regrets about this. In an interview with the Russian media “RT”, he said bluntly: “Even if there is a second chance, will do the same.”
Russian gymnast Kuriak put a “Z” pattern on his uniform at the awards ceremony, next to the gold medalist Ukrainian athlete. Photo: Retrieved from Twitter Rick Westhead (@rwesthead)