Russian artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak has refused to apologise for sporting a war symbol during competition following the invasion of Ukraine.
The 20-year-old took the bronze medal in the parallel bars at the World Cup Series in Doha and was pictured with a "Z" symbol - meaning "for victory" - on the podium.
Kuliak's actions sparked outrage as he stood alongside Ukrainian gold medallist Illia Kovtun, but the Russian has remained unrepentant and has insisted that he would wear the symbol again.
Russian Ivan Kuliak wore the letter Z on his chest during the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha.
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) March 5, 2022
The Z is reportedly a symbol of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Kuliak won bronze in parallel bars. Ukraine's Kovtun Illia won gold.)https://t.co/iZ1Kb5RIUq pic.twitter.com/Qi6wGHMGHO
Speaking to Russia Today, Kuliak said: "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."
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has opened an investigation into Kuliak's actions while also banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions until further notice.
