Because of the "Z" logo, Russian athletes were "punished." The Associated Press reported on the 23rd that some Russian athletes, including Russian swimmer yevgeny Relov, were criticized for participating in a rally in support of Russian President Putin and Russia's military operations against Ukraine, and were photographed with a "Z" logo on their clothes, including Russian swimmer yevgeny Relov, who was even investigated by FINA and lost his endorsement agreement. In response, Rylov announced that he would boycott the FINA World Championships in June.
The Associated Press reported on the 23rd that a rally was held at Russia's Luzhniki Stadium on Friday (March 18), and Russian President Putin delivered a speech on the same day, and some Russian athletes participated in the rally, including medalists in cross-country skiing, gymnastics, figure skating and swimming competitions.
Fina told The Associated Press that Russian Olympic team athlete and Olympic champion Yevgeny Relov is under investigation for attending the rally. The agency said in an email on the 22nd local time that FINA noted the report that Relov participated in the rally, which was "deeply disappointed" and is further investigating the matter. The Guardian reported that Reloff also lost an endorsement agreement with Australian swimwear maker Speedo for attending the rally.
At the rally, most Russian athletes, including Rylov, were photographed wearing clothes bearing the "Z" logo, the Associated Press said. As the Russian national anthem was played, the Russian athletes stood on the stage.
In early March, the International Gymnastics Federation demanded that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak, also because of the "striking" letter "Z" on his gymnastics suit. The Guardian said the pattern was seen as support for Russia's "invasion."] But the Russian Defense Ministry previously posted on social media that the "Z" letter comes from the Russian language за победу (victory), which means the same as the "V" in English.
For the face of being investigated, Relov posted on social media Instagram on the 23rd that he would boycott the FINA World Championships held from June 18 to July 3 to "express support for Russian athletes who have been banned from participating in other competitions".
"In order to support The Russian Paralympic athletes, in order to support all Russian athletes excluded from international competitions, I refuse to participate in the World Championships held this summer," Relov wrote on Instagram, "I believe that to lose a competitor is to lose the development of sports." As sad as it sounds, sport can't live without fair competitors."
