A statement said it had taken note of a disciplinary committee’s decision to ban Rylov for his presence and conduct at an event at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the event.
Rylov, 25, wore a “Z” in the national colors of Russia on his chest alongside his medals from Tokyo on stage. In view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the letter has now become a nationalist symbol and is emblazoned on Russian military vehicles operating in Ukraine. His suspension began on Wednesday and applies to all international competitions.
Rylow won gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke at the Tokyo Olympics last year.
Source: dpa