After the four Russian women who won the 4×400 meter relay at the world championships received their gold medals, they each turned to one another on the podium and exchanged kisses on the cheek. Two of the athletes appeared to brush lips on one of the kisses. Was this gesture celebratory or a pointed critique of Russia’s anti-gay laws, which are causing worldwide controversy ahead of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Two of the athletes insist it was the former. Said Kseniya Ryzhova:

“The storm of emotions going through us was incredible. And if we, accidentally, while congratulating each other, touched lips, excuse me. We think the whole fuss is more of a sick fantasy not grounded in anything.”

Though conspiracy theorists would say the women felt pressured to say that for fear of ending up in jail for protest like the band Pussy Riot, the evidence doesn’t support such an assertion. Watch this video of the podium celebration. These appear to be innocent, celebratory pecks on the cheek, not brazen symbols of defiance. In other words, this wasn’t John Carlos and Tommie Smith.