Russian gymnast displays hateful symbols on uniform at World Cup event
On Saturday, Mar. 4, Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak displayed a “Z” symbol on his uniform as he stood next to Ukrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun on the podium of a gymnastics World Cup event in Doha, Qatar. The symbol, displayed by Russian military vehicles utilized in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has become widely associated with support for the invasion. Kuliak taped it to his uniform in place of the Russian flag, which was banned by the International Gymnastics Foundation (FIG).
The symbol’s origins and explicit intentions are unknown—the letter “Z” does not appear in the Cryllic alphabet, used by both Russia and Ukraine. The Instagram account of the Russian Ministry of Defense has posted the letters “V” and “Z” with messages of “to victory” and “we finish wars.”
The next day, Mar. 5, the International Gymnastics Foundation issued a statement encouraging the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak in response to the display. Effective Mar. 7, the Foundation banned Russian and Belarussian athletes and officials from participating in any FIG competitions or related competitions. Kuliak now faces a lengthier ban, one that may prohibit him from competing in the years to come.
Since the controversy and public outrage following this display, Kuliak has refused to back down from the pro-war sentiments that he presented at the podium. He insisted on wearing the symbol that he knew as one brandished by the military with an indefinite origin, as one to promote victory and peace. Kuliak further insisted that he would make the same choice to display the symbol again, if given the chance.
Kuliak’s actions carry significant weight in the current political atmosphere—as an admired and revered Russian athlete, the messages he spreads have a large impact on international attitudes, particularly in times of distinct tension. Representing Russian sentiments towards Ukraine as a Russian athlete standing beside a Ukrainian, Kuliak chose to bear a symbol associated with war and conquership.
This attitude is not one that seems to be representative of the entire Russian citizenship—in fact, the contrary. A poll from Yuri Levada Analytical Center indicated that for 56 percent of all Russians, another world war was among their greatest fears, surpassed only by severe illness of loved ones. While many advocates and politicians have implored not to blame Russian communities and Russian culture for the actions of Vladimir Putin, Kuliak’s actions contradict this sentiment; he has taken it upon himself to represent pro-war sentimentality on behalf of Russian citizens. The prominence of this statement is not likely to bode well for leniency and forgiveness of Russian citizens, regardless of their politics.
Sports have always been a theater for politics—U.S. quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem sparked protests and conversation surrounding police brutality and racism; to cite an earlier moment in history, professional boxer Muhammad Ali’s defeat of previously undefeated heavyweight champion George Foreman was a historical victory for athletes of color and anti-war activists. Akin to these historical moments, Kuliak’s actions are representative of greater global themes, and have the potential to bear serious political consequences.