Olympic gymnast Louis Smith missed celebrations for Rio medallists in Trafalgar Square to visit mosques after saying sorry for the fact that he appeared to mock Islam in a video last week.

The four-time medallist said he apologised to people in the Muslim community for the footage that showed him pretending to pray to Allah while laughing. In a message on his Facebook page on Tuesday evening, he 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.”

He said he was “ignorant to people’s religion” and that it was his responsibility, as “someone of sporting influence”, to exercise his opinions in good taste. “We discussed my actions and they showed me what they learn and the true meaning behind their religion of peace.”

The athlete missed the celebration in London’s Trafalgar Square for the country’s Olympians and Paralympians where more than 6,000 fans gathered. He also did not attend a Buckingham Palace reception later on Tuesday for Rio medallists.

Days after the video was revealed online, Smith apologised, revealing his feelings of shame. He told the Daily Mirror it was “the lowest point of my career” and described his actions as “incredibly offensive and very ignorant”. The 27-year-old is being investigated by British Gymnastics and could face disciplinary action.

Farooq Aftab, national vice-president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, said: “The original video that gave rise to this whole incident has caused offence. However, at the heart of Islam, the holy Koran, and the example of the Prophet Mohammed is the need for Muslims to show continuous compassion and forgiveness.



“Louis did something wrong but he certainly does not need to be defined by that brief moment in his life. His apology and visit to London’s oldest mosque ... today to learn about Islam speak volumes.



“As practising Muslims, Ahmadi Muslims will always seek to build bridges; will always seek to be peacemakers. This is the true Islam and we hope that Louis visits many more times.”