The International Gymnastics Federation has reprimanded the Russian Sofiia Ilteriakova, who competed as a neutral at the World Cup in Bulgaria, for turning her back to the flags and the anthem during the podium ceremony, in which she was second after the Ukrainian Onofriichuk and ahead of the Italian Sofia Raffaeli.
In a statement, the federative body explained that, when the Ukrainian anthem was played, the gymnast “did not turn to look at the flags, as required by the FIG Regulations for Award Ceremonies.” This infraction led to the committee’s intervention.
Neutral athletes “have the full responsibility to avoid any action that may be perceived as disrespectful or politically motivated,” and he stressed that precisely for this reason the case was subjected to formal review in accordance with current regulations and established procedures.
The Federation explained that it has taken into account “all the circumstances, including the clarifications provided by the gymnast” before making its decision. Still, he concluded that a formal warning should be issued. In that sense, Any other similar violation of the rules by Ilteriakova will result in the withdrawal of her neutral status.
This “unfortunate incident” has also highlighted the need to clarify the protocol governing its award ceremonies “in accordance with the Olympic Charter.” For its part, the Ukrainian Federation stated in a statement that the athlete “deliberately moved away from the flag of Ukraine, thus openly demonstrating her lack of respect for the state symbol of our country and for the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter.”
