The Russian gymnast who provoked global anger by wearing a propaganda symbol in support of the invasion of Ukraine on a World Cup podium has insisted that he has no regrets – and would even do the same again if he gets the chance.
Ivan Kuliak is facing a lengthy ban from gymnastics after attaching a letter “Z” to his leotard before receiving his bronze medal in the parallel bars in Doha on Saturday, in a competition won by Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun.
The symbol was initially used by the Russian military to distinguish its tanks, troop carriers and other vehicles, but the Russian Defence Ministry has now issued a statement saying that the “Z” means victory.
Kuliak’s actions were immediately condemned as “shocking behaviour” by the International Gymnastics Federation, who then asked its Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against the Russian. But while the 20-year-old now faces the possibility of a long ban and potentially losing his bronze medal, he was defiant when questioned by Russia Today on Tuesday.
When Kuliak was asked if he regretted his act, he replied: “Not at all. If there was a second chance and I would again have to choose whether to enter with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I would do exactly the same.
“I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means,” added Kuliak, who received training with the Russian military last year. “It turned out to be ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’. I didn’t wish anything bad on anyone. I just showed 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 International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
Since Monday all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts, officials and judges have also been suspended from all future FIG-sanctioned competitions.
