LONDON — Olympic gymnast Louis Smith missed a victory parade in London for Britain›s Rio medalists in London’s Trafalgar Square and a subsequent reception at Buckingham Palace to visit mosques after he appeared to mock Islam.
This year’s Olympic Games in Rio saw Smith win a silver medal on the pommel horse, with British teammate Max Whitlock taking gold.
Four-time medalist Smith, in a message posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, said: “I accepted the offer to learn more about the Muslim community and Islam. I honestly can say it was actually a really good day.”
“I was a little nervous and anxious before visiting because of the reason events in the last week. But the people and the community where so understanding and inviting.”
Smith — who could still be banned or expelled by British Gymnastics — said they “discussed his actions” before admitting he had been “ignorant to people’s religion”.
The sportsman added: “We discussed my actions and they showed me what they learn and the true meaning behind there religion of peace.”
“The community work they do for various charities is actually crazy and the money raised each year would blow your mind.
I was ignorant to people’s religion. And I apologized for offending those who follow the faith. And just because I have the right to doesn’t mean I’m happy with doing that. People have commented about it’s freedom of speech but I feel if I was to preach freedom of speech I wouldn’t use my video to endorse that.”
“We can all exercise our rights of freedom of speech but being in the public eye and someone of sporting influence it’s my responsibility to exercise it in good taste, and on that part I messed up. “Big thank you to everyone who welcomed me today.
“Had a good time getting to know you and your views.”
Speaking to a British daily, Smith said: “This is the lowest point of my career. What I did was incredibly offensive and very ignorant.
“My charity work, all the kids that look up to me, everything has been tarnished because of one stupid moment.
“I want to apologize to everyone in the Muslim community; to people that were offended, even to those that weren’t.
“I’m sorry for the people who looked up to me, to my fans and friends and family who are so disappointed.
“I’ve worked my whole career to make people proud of me and I’m ashamed to have let everyone down.
“People who don’t know me will see this video and think I’m a racist. The truth is I’m not.”
