world governing body of swimming Financial and procedural aspects said on Friday it has suspended the Russian Olympic gold medalist Evgeny Rylov For nine months after attending a rally in Moscow in support of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
Rylov, who won gold in the 100 and 200m backstroke events last year Tokyo OlympicsAmong the many athletes who took part in a massive rally in Moscow were Luzhniki Stadium Hosted by the President last month Vladimir Putin,
Rylov and other athletes wore the letter “Z” on their outfits, an identification mark used by supporters of “Special Military Operations” in Ukraine, Russia.
FINA said the suspension came “after Mr Rylov’s appearance and conduct at an event held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow”.
There was no immediate reaction from Rylov, who lost his sponsorship deal with swimwear manufacturer Speedo due to his appearance at the rally.
FINA has already canceled all its events in Russia and barred Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from participating in its competitions until the end of the year.
Rylov, who won gold in the 100 and 200m backstroke events last year Tokyo OlympicsAmong the many athletes who took part in a massive rally in Moscow were Luzhniki Stadium Hosted by the President last month Vladimir Putin,
Rylov and other athletes wore the letter “Z” on their outfits, an identification mark used by supporters of “Special Military Operations” in Ukraine, Russia.
FINA said the suspension came “after Mr Rylov’s appearance and conduct at an event held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow”.
There was no immediate reaction from Rylov, who lost his sponsorship deal with swimwear manufacturer Speedo due to his appearance at the rally.
FINA has already canceled all its events in Russia and barred Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from participating in its competitions until the end of the year.