Channel: Guardian Sport

Category: News & Politics

Tags: gymnastrussia attackukraine warivan kuliak dohaz symbol ukraineivan kuliak zz signz symbolivan kuliakkovtunz ukrainerussiaputinrussia soldiersrussia gymnastwar in ukraineletter zz sign russiaputin ukraineivan kuliak z symbolrussian z symbolrussia warz symbol russiaz symbol meaningkuliakukraine shellinggymnasticsz symbol gymnastivan kuliak podiumz sign ukraineukraineivan kuliak medal ceremonyilliavladimir putin

Description: Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who sported an insignia linked to the invasion of Ukraine on a podium while receiving his medal next to Ukrainian rival, had been called out for his 'shocking behaviour'. Subscribe to Guardian Sport ► bit.ly/GDNSport Kuliak’s shirt had the letter Z prominently placed as he stood next to Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun, the gold medallist at a Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha. The 'Z', a letter that does not exist in the Cyrillic Russian alphabet, has been seen daubed on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and has come to symbolise support for the invasion. Kuliak, a former all-around and floor national junior champion, had won the bronze medal on Saturday. ‘Shocking behaviour’: Russian gymnast shows ‘Z’ symbol on podium next to Ukrainian winner ► theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/07/shocking-behaviour-russian-gymnast-shows-z-symbol-on-podium-next-to-ukrainian-winner The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► support.theguardian.com/contribute Website ► theguardian.com Facebook ► facebook.com/theguardian Twitter ► twitter.com/guardian Instagram ► instagram.com/guardian #ukraine #gymnast #russia #ukrainewar