Why I Support Invasion Of Ukraine - Russian Gymnast, Ivan Kuliak | DETAILS

Before earning his bronze medal in the parallel bars at an event won by Ukraine's Illia Kovtun, Kuliak glued a letter 'Z' to his breast, which has been spotted daubed on the sides of Russian tanks.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has condemned the 20-year-bold old's decision, and has asked its Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.

Kuliak, who faces a lengthy suspension, was unapologetic on Tuesday, telling Russia Today that;

'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.'

In their own statement, released on Monday March 7, the FIG said: 'The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup.'