Russian Gymnast Sparks Outrage By Wearing Pro-Russian Symbol On Chest Next To Ukrainian Competitor

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak may face disciplinary consequences for wearing a pro-Russian invasion symbol at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

20-year-old Kuliak, who won the bronze medal, accepted his award with a "Z" symbol taped to his uniform.

The Russian army has been using the "Z" symbol to identify their tanks during the on-going invasion of Ukraine.

Kuliak proudly displayed the symbol next to his opponent, Ukrainian athlete Kovtun Illia. Illia took home the gold medal.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has reportedly started disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak for his "shocking behavior."

Twitter users were shocked by Kuliak's lack of sportsmanship and called for him to be disciplined.

Commenters were glad Kuliak's Ukrainian rival took home the first place gold.

One user questioned why Russian athletes were allowed to compete at all.

To be clear, not every citizen of a country is in agreement with the actions of their leadership.

Some Twitter users suggested Kuliak may have been forced to wear the symbol.

While we don't know Kuliak's true beliefs or what led to the symbol being on his chest during the medal ceremony, the political expression went against FIG's rules, according to CNN.

As of Monday, March 7, FIG has also decided to ban all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts from future FIG-sanctioned competitions.

The decision comes after the International Olympic Committee recommended the ban.