Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov banned for nine months because of Putin rally

World swimming governing body FINA said on Friday it had suspended Russian Olympic gold medalist Evgeny Rylov for nine months after he attended a rally in Moscow in support of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Rylov, who won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, was among a number of athletes who attended a large rally at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium last month hosted by President Vladimir Putin.

Rylov and other athletes wore the letter “Z” on their outfits, an identifying mark used by supporters of what Russia is calling its “special military operation” in Ukraine.

FINA said the suspension came “following Mr Rylov’s attendance and conduct at an event at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow”.

There was no immediate reaction from Rylov, who also lost his sponsorship deal with swimwear manufacturer Speedo for his presence at the rally.

FINA has already canceled all of its events scheduled to take place in Russia, banning Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from participating in its competitions until the end of the year.