The 20-year-old Koeliak finished third in the high bar event in Doha and was on the podium next to Ukrainian winner Ilia Kovtun. Side by side they posed for the photographers with their medals, with the letter Z – a pro-war symbol – clearly visible on Koeliak’s clothing. On social media there was an immediate call for the international gymnastics union FIG to punish Koeliak for his provocative action. Because athletes, officials and judges from Russia and Belarus are not welcome at FIG competitions until today, they were able to participate ‘normally’ last weekend.
The FIG released a response today and calls Koeliak’s behavior ‘shocking’. “The gymnastics association has asked the ethics committee to initiate a disciplinary investigation into Koeliak because of his shocking behavior in the World Cup,” the statement reads.
For the time being, no gymnastics events are allowed in Russia and Belarus, the FIG previously announced: ,,The FIG took measures against Russia and Belarus on March 4. As of March 7, 2022, Russian and Bella Russian athletes and officials, including judges, will not be allowed to participate in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions.”