Christian Olympian suspended 5 months after making sign of the cross, other rules violations

September 24, 2024

A Christian athlete who was suspended for making the sign of the cross during the 2024 Summer Olympic games is vowing to remain steadfast in his faith.

The Christian Post reports that the International Judo Federation (IJF) suspended Serbian judo world champion Nemanja Majdov for five months after it said he breached its strict code of conduct forbidding the display of religious symbols during competition.

The Federation’s disciplinary commission said Majdov’s suspension came after he had”shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play and having refused to bow your opponent at the end of the contest”

The 28-year-old Majdov responded publicly to the decision on Sept 15, saying: “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.”

According to the Christian Post, the IJF had previously warned Majdov about making the sign of the cross in April 2018 and February 2022, saying he would face discipline if further violations occurred.

Majdov wrote on Instagram: “Nothing new for me personally, just a new page in my career and a new life experience,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things.”

He added, “God gave me a great career, 7 European and 3 world medals. 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.”

Photo: top, Credit: YouTube/Judo Art