Russian gymnast wears ‘Z’ symbol on leotard, finishes behind Ukrainian rival on podium

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is facing disciplinary action for sporting an insignia linked to the invasion of Ukraine on the medals podium.

Kuliak, who earned a bronze medal at the Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha on Saturday, wore a shirt that had the symbol “Z” prominently placed as he stood next to Ukraine’s Kovtun Illia, the gold medallist.

The letter Z does not exist in the Cyrillic Russian alphabet, and has become symbolic with Russia’s invasion.

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