Ukraine athlete speaks of sportsmanship after Russian wears war symbol on podium

The Ukrainian athlete standing alongside a Russian gymnast who flashed a pro-war symbol has spoken out about his rival’s lack of dignity.

The Ukraine athlete who stood beside a Russian gymnast as he brandished a pro-war symbol during a medal ceremony has spoken out about his rival’s lack of dignity.

Russian Ivan Kuliak has made headlines around the world after he showed off a pro-war ‘Z’ symbol during a medal presentation ceremony at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun claimed victory in the parallel bars, while Kuliak took bronze and Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi secured the silver medal.

But when Kuliak stepped onto the podium it became apparent he was sporting the ‘Z’ symbol on his kit.

Vladimir Putin’s supporters have been seen wearing clothes and badges with the letter ‘Z’ on – referencing their support for the invasion of Ukraine.

Ivan Kuliak wore the 'Z' war symbol on his top for the medal ceremony. Picture: Claro Sports

Ukraine's Illia Kovtun won the event and did not acknowledge Kuliak on the podium. Picture: Claro Sports

The symbol – which represents the Russian phrase for victory – has been visible on Putin’s tanks and killing machines entering Ukraine.

It is widely considered to be the sign which symbolises the war.

And Kremlin-funded TV channel Russia Today was recently slammed for selling ‘Z’ merchandise.

So when Kuliak stepped onto the podium with the ‘Z’ symbol clearly on his top, it was a shocking statement – particularly given Ukraine’s Kovtun was the winner of the discipline.

When Kovtun took to the top step to receive his gold medal, he shook hands with Kazakh Karimi but did not acknowledge Kuliak.

Kovtun, 18, has now spoken out with a scathing rebuke of his fellow-competitor.

“My family and coach raised me to be responsible for my people,” he told the International Gymnast.

“I consider myself a good person, therefore I behaved and behave in a civilised manner and in solidarity with everyone, with respect.

A protester paints the "Z" sign on a street, in reference to Russian tanks marked with the letter. Picture: Andrej Isakovic / AFP

“It was not easy to compete with the Russians, but at that moment we all were convinced that sports is out of politics. Unfortunately, the Russian guy Ivan showed something completely different – not the ability to compete with dignity and sportsmanship, but mixed sports with politics.”

The Russian gymnast, earlier this week refused to apologise.

“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,” Kuliak told Russia Today.

“I saw it with our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out it means, ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’.

“I didn’t wish anything bad on anyone, I just showed my position. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and stand for peace.”

Reacting to the ceremony, one social media user simply said: “Disgusting.”

While another added: “Russian should be stripped of the award and banned for a period of time.”

Ukraine is currently under attack following Putin’s decision to invade the country.

As of Saturday, the United Nations had recorded at least 752 civilian casualties so far across Ukraine, with 227 killed and 525 injured.

And sporting bodies have imposed strict sanctions on Russia – throwing them out of a host of major competitions including the World Cup and Winter Olympic Games.