See previous thread here Ukraine: Ivan Kuliak Under Investigation For Wearing Russian Army Symbol

Russian gymnast explains 'Z' letter choice

8 Mar, 2022 12:08

Ivan Kuliak was criticized by the International Gymnastics Federation for the act


Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has explained the motives behind taping the 'Z' symbol to his leotard during a World Cup event in Doha, which was heavily criticized by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

The body blasted Kuliak for his "shocking behaviour" on the podium as he picked up a bronze in the parallel bars event alongside Ukrainian gold medallist Illia Kovtun on Saturday.

Head of the Artistic Gymnastics Federation of Russia (FSGR) Vasily Titov pledged his support for Kuliak using the symbol that has been displayed on tanks during Russia's military operation in Ukraine, and in an interview with RT, 20-year-old Kuliak explained that he used the symbol due to the conduct of some Ukrainian rivals during the recent competition in Qatar.

"Their behavior at some points was completely unacceptable," Kuliak said. "During performances they would shout 'Glory to Ukraine!', or go out on the podium wrapped in the national flag while we were considered neutral athletes, and because of this we felt uncomfortable."

"Many different things happened," Kuliak went on. "But most of it all, it was frustrating because they asked for us to be removed from the [tournament] although we did nothing wrong to anyone.

"We came to perform, but in the end we didn't know until the very end whether we would be allowed to the finals or not."

Kuliak stressed that there was no personal aggression towards him at the event, but said that the Ukrainians' general behavior "greatly escalated the situation".

The FIG has also not contacted him yet amid announcing it would launch an ethics investigation, he confirmed. But from Kuliak, there are still no regrets for what he did.

"If there was a second chance and I would again have to choose whether to go out with the letter 'Z' on my chest or not, I would do exactly the same," he stated defiantly.

"I saw it with our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out [it means], 'for victory' and 'for peace'," Kuliak pointed out. "I didn't wish anything bad on anyone, I just showed [what] my position [was]. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and stand for peace. Only [for that] and everything."

Kuliak confessed to suffering mild "jitters" in Doha given he was taking part in his first competition at adult level, but he reassured himself that he was worthy and capable on his way to a bronze medal finish.

"It's a shame that we no longer have the opportunity to continue to perform at international level. I hope everything gets better soon," he said, as per the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes recommended by the International Olympic Committee (ICO).

"In the meantime, I am preparing for the Russian Championship, which will take place very soon – in three weeks," Kuliak revealed, though he declined to set any goals for the tournament.

"After all, the most important thing is to show everything that you can do," said the youngster, who thinks he performs best on uneven parallel bars where he found success in Doha.

As per increased media attention since his 'Z' tribute, Kuliak claims that it hasn't been too noteworthy or has caused him discomfort. "I try not to attach importance to what is happening around [me]. Everything is fine," he insisted.

https://www.rt.com/sport/551465-kuliak-russia-ukraine-fig-doha/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I05EO0Wn0Ac

Ukraine war: Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak who brandished Z symbol at competition says he has no regrets

Kuliak, who was criticised for wearing the sign, meaning "for victory", on the podium in Doha next to a Ukrainian competitor, told Russian state media: "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."

Tuesday 8 March 2022 15:00, UK

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who displayed the Z symbol associated with his home country's invasion of Ukraine, has said he has no regrets about what he did.

Kuliak came third on Saturday at a gymnastics World Cup event in Doha, and affixed the symbol to his shirt while accepting his medal on the podium.

The winner of the event was Ukraine's Illia Kovtun.

Z has come to be associated with support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and has been daubed on the side of tanks and weapons.

Kuliak sparked condemnation while wearing the symbol, with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) branding it "shocking behaviour" and urging the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to investigate.

However, the 20-year-old has remained defiant in the face of a ban from the sport, telling Russian state media: "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.

"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."

From 7 March, Russian athletes and coaches were banned from international events, in line with most other sports' global governing bodies placing sanctions on the country - but Kuliak's appearance at this event fell before that date.

Meanwhile, the various governing bodies of international tennis have teamed up for a campaign that will see them donate $100,000 (£76,300) to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

The ATP, WTA and International Tennis Foundation have also donated to the Ukraine Tennis Federation.

The Wimbledon Foundation has made additional donations to the British Red Cross and the Disasters Emergency Committee.

At the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, this week, blue and yellow ribbons will be given to players to wear during the competition.

Russian and Belarusian tennis players have been told they can continue to compete on tours as individuals, but they have to play as neutrals without national flags. The country teams have been banned from competing.

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-russian-gymnast-ivan-kuliak-who-brandished-z-symbol-at-competition-says-he-has-no-regrets-12560670?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter

Kuliak stood on the podium next to Ukrainian rival Illia Kovtun, who won the gold

he is Russian and will stand proudly for his country (whether good or bad)... isnt it the same done all around the world?!?

They wanted to country-shame him, but the young man stood his ground.
It's hypocrisy if he's not allowed to wear his symbol.

They brought politics into sports, so what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

Only Vodka company’s will give her endorsements

Def sure she not expecting anything from Nike, Puma, Adidas or Reebok


Face of terrorism!

Well, he was there to represent his country.

Okay

He's being patriotic... And from his explanation, intrusion from the Ukrainian athletes made him do such.

He's russian and he's proud

#odogwu

Enjoy the ban

Bros if you taya to wear the cloth.. Pull am make we sef wear

Yet some people argue that the Russian people are not supporting Putin.
His people are obviously behind him

naptu2:


https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-russian-gymnast-ivan-kuliak-who-brandished-z-symbol-at-competition-says-he-has-no-regrets-12560670?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter

Kuliak stood on the podium next to Ukrainian rival Illia Kovtun, who won the gold

This world and double standards.

How many Nigerians can do this for Nigeria?

Bunch of Saboteurs and betrayals full this country, from the youths to even the Ancestors.

No atom of love for the country at all and we expect positive changes in all sectors?

Slava Russia... Defender of the universe!!!

bastard

wow...

ValCon888:
They wanted to country-shame him, but the young man stood his ground.
It's hypocrisy if he's not allowed to wear his symbol.

They brought politics into sports, so what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

Yea a German can as well wear the Nazi swastika on the podium

Like for Ukraine share for Russia

Then u remain banned, one thing I know is that murderers will get support from fellow murderer, this Russia war have opened my mind to biblical truth ,whenever I read that majority of Jews pleaded for a murderer banabas to be released and jesus christ should be crucified, I keep thinking how could this be,but seeing the number of people in this forum supporting a mass murderer putin ,I now believe it is possible for people to choose a murderer over a just man..but one thing is sure putin will never escape the wrath of God even if he escape human justice system..killing human beings in whatever guise is abomination before the creator of humanity

Respect

Do they expect him to criticize his country? As a matter of fact, he owes nobody any explanation.....Bunch of useless people......

He just had to wear it. I mean, a Ukrainian came first. That is a big blow to already and the insignia was his consolation.

Stand for what you believe in even if everyone else is sitting.

There's an ongoing cancel culture against Russia and Russians because their country is at war.

It's suddenly become a crime to be Russian overnight, irrespective of whether you support the war or not.

Meanwhile, Ukraine can do all sort of shit and get away with it.

In Putin we stand

After all the BLA BLA BLA na the Ukrainian still win the �

ValCon888:
They wanted to country-shame him, but the young man stood his ground.
It's hypocrisy if he's not allowed to wear his symbol.

They brought politics into sports, so what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

God bless you for this this is the hypocrisy we are talking about. The west is the only one allow to have an opinion the rest are fools and uncivilized people according to them.