British Olympian misses victory parade for mosque visits
Gymnast Louis Smith previously appeared in a video mocking Islam
Louis Smith previously appeared in a video mocking Islam. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON:
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith missed a victory parade in London for Britain’s Rio medallists in London’s Trafalgar Square and a subsequent reception at Buckingham Palace to visit mosques after he appeared to mock Islam.
Online video footage showed Smith, 27, and fellow gymnast Luke Carson laughing whilst pretending to pray and saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is great).
This year’s Olympic Games in Rio saw Smith win a silver medal on the pommel horse, with British teammate Max Whitlock taking gold.
British Olympian apologises for 'mocking' Islam
Four-time medallist 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 events in the last week. But the people and the community were so understanding and inviting.”
How four Olympians are fighting Islamophobia
Smith, who is facing disciplinary action by British gymnastics, added: “We discussed my actions and they showed me what they learn and the true meaning behind their religion of peace. The community work they do for various charities is actually crazy and the money raised each year would blow your mind.”
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith missed a victory parade in London for Britain’s Rio medallists in London’s Trafalgar Square and a subsequent reception at Buckingham Palace to visit mosques after he appeared to mock Islam.
Online video footage showed Smith, 27, and fellow gymnast Luke Carson laughing whilst pretending to pray and saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is great).
This year’s Olympic Games in Rio saw Smith win a silver medal on the pommel horse, with British teammate Max Whitlock taking gold.
British Olympian apologises for 'mocking' Islam
Four-time medallist 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 events in the last week. But the people and the community were so understanding and inviting.”
How four Olympians are fighting Islamophobia
Smith, who is facing disciplinary action by British gymnastics, added: “We discussed my actions and they showed me what they learn and the true meaning behind their religion of peace. The community work they do for various charities is actually crazy and the money raised each year would blow your mind.”