Olympian banned after competing at Paris Olympics because he broke little known rule in his sport
Mia Williams
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An Olympian has been banned from his sport until early next year, after making a gesture before competing.
Nemanja Majdov is the Serbian judo world champion, but has been banned from competing in his sport for five months, due to a mistake he made at the Paris Olympics.
Even though the gesture he made didn't break any Olympic rules, the International Judo Federation (IJF) didn't approve of his actions.
Footage captured Majdov before taking part in the completion, touching his head, stomach, then both shoulders.
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The gesture is the Christian sign of the cross, but according to the IJF, showing a religious sign before taking part in the sport is not tolerated by them.
The federation has a 'zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or provocation that may impact our athletes’ performance'.
Since receiving the ban, Majdov has refused to apologise for making the sign of the cross before performing.
He put a statement out on Instagram addressing the issue, which said: "In the defence letter of the disciplinary proceedings I did not want to apologise…and of course I did not, nor will I ever, although I did not even know what the punishment could be.
"The Lord has given me everything, both for me personally and for my career, and he is number one for me and I am proud of that.
"And that will not change under any circumstances.
"Glory to Him and thanks for everything.”
Reflecting on the ban further, he added: "Just a new page in my career and a new life experience.
"I’m sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things.
"God gave me a great career.
"When I started, I dreamed of winning at least one big medal and thus succeeding in my life and the life of my family, who sacrificed everything for my career.
"He gave us a lot more, and even borrowed too much so that I would bow my head in front of them when it came either-or.”
Addressing their controversial decision, the IJF also put out a statement, suggesting that it is their 'duty' to ensure that the 'field of play' is reserved for the sport alone, and governed by their rules.
Majdov was also warned about the ethical rule in April 2018 and February 2022.