Controversial
Gymnast Ivan Kuliak who was seen wearing a ‘Z’ war symbol after missing out on gold medal to Ukrainian Illia Kovtun says he would do it again
Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak says he has no remorse about wearing a war symbol.
The athlete sported a 'Z' logo as he picked up his bronze in the parallel bars competition at the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series, in which Ukraine's Illia Kovtun won gold.
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The 20-year-old placed the letter on his chest as he received his medal, which sparked anger globally.
The 'Z' symbol has been seen on the side of Russian tanks and is, according to Kuliak, a sign for 'victory' and 'peace'.
Following his decision to produce the political statement, the FIG has condemned it, labelling it 'shocking behaviour'.
They have also asked its Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to launch an investigation.
On Monday, the FIG said in a statement: "The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup."
Kuliak, though, insists he has no regrets about his decision and said he would repeat his action again.
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"If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter 'Z' on my chest or not, I would do the same," he told Russia Today.
"I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out to be 'for victory' and 'for peace'. I just wanted to show my position.
"As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and play for peace."
Kuliak was unable to wear the Russian flag on Saturday as it had already been banned by the FIG.
Since Monday all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts, officials and judges have also been suspended from all future FIG-sanctioned competitions.
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