Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast Taisia Onofriichuk dominated the World Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria, winning four gold medals across five disciplines. However, the actions of a Russian silver medalist in Sofia have sparked significant outrage.
During the medal ceremony for the Hoop competition, Russian “neutral athlete” Sofia Ilteryakova did not turn to face the Ukrainian flag as the anthem played for Onofriichuk, the event winner.
While Onofriichuk and bronze medalist Sofia Raffaeli (Italy) stood at attention, Ilteryakova was seen facing away from the flag as the Ukrainian anthem played.
Ilteryakova’s actions drew criticism, particularly from Ukrainian officials, particularly due to her authorized neutral status. In order to achieve neutral status and compete in World Gymnastics sanctioned events, the federation’s Ad-Hoc guidelines require athletes to meet the following criteria:
- No voluntary affiliation with the Russian or Belarusian military or with any other national security agency
- No active support for the military conflict in Ukraine
The World Gymnastics federation (formerly the International Gynastics Federation) states that athletes must refrain from “verbal or nonverbal” activity or communication” that “constitutes active support for the military conflict in Ukraine.”
Additionally, the guidelines state that athletes must not “take any action or behave in any way that may prejudice the interests of the competition, its integrity or the participant’s neutrality required as a condition for participation.”
In addition to her potential breaches of the neutrality criteria, Ilteryakova’s actions appear to violate the federation’s rules for award ceremony conduct. World Gymnastics rules assert that “all parties must turn to face the flags.”
Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation’s Response
The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation is seeking justice for its athlete and its federation after Ilteryakova’s behavior at the World Cup event.
The federation provided an official statement in response to my requests for comment, regarding what it described as the “demonstrative disrespect for the state symbols of Ukraine” by Sofia Ilteryakova. The full statement is now available on social media.
Drafted by Ukrainian Gymnastics President Iryna Deryugina, the statement expressed “strong protest” over Ilteryakova’s “unacceptable” behavior.
“Openly demonstrating disrespect for the state symbol of our country and the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter.”
The UGF accused Ilteryakova of violating Ethics and Fair Play and federation Protocol, arguing that the gymnast’s gesture constituted a “direct violation of the rules of conduct at official ceremonies.”
“The award ceremony is an official part of the competition that requires compliance with etiquette,” the UGF added, referencing the award ceremony statute from the World Gymnastics rulebook.
The federation openly questioned Ilteryakova’s approval as a neutral athlete, arguing that her approval is further evidence that neutrality is “used as a a cover for broadcasting political views.”
“Turning your back on the Ukrainian flag in the conditions of the ongoing war is an act of political hostility,” Deryugina declared.
UGF Files to Ethics Commission
The federation also expressed its desire to protect its athletes from these forms of “passive aggression,” prompting multiple demands to the World Gymnastics Federation and the International Olympic Committee.
The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation vowed to file an official complaint to the IOC’s Ethics Commission, demanding the following:
- To annul (Sofia Ilteryakova’s) result at the current tournament for unsportsmanlike behavior
- To permanently deprive the athlete of the status of “neutral athlete”, since her actions directly contradict the admission criteria
- To strengthen the test for “neutrality”, including not only the absence of direct ties to security forces, but also the obligation to fully respect the state symbols of all participating countries
“Sport is a platform for fair competition, not for demonstrating imperial ambitions and disregard for the sovereignty of other countries. Ukraine will demand justice and a tough reaction from the international community,” Deryugina concluded.
World Gymnastics Federation Remains Silent
The World Gymnastics federation did not respond to my requests for comment and has not issued an official statement. This report will be updated should the organization provide comment.
