Olympic silver medallist Louis Smith has been suspended for two months by British Gymnastics after a video leaked online showing him mocking Islam.
The 27-year-old said he was "deeply sorry" when the offensive footage of himself and fellow gymnast Luke Carson was leaked to the media at the beginning of October.
© Photo: PALouis Smith has been suspended for two months by British Gymnastics
British Gymnastics have since investigated the incident, with an independent panel finding the gymnast guilty of a breach of the organisation's Standards of Conduct, while Luke was given a reprimand.
Confirming the news in a statement, British Gymnastics said: "Louis Smith admitted his behaviour was a breach of the Standards of Conduct. The Panel upheld the allegation and taking into account a previous breach of the Standards of Conduct heard in June this year (where it also was made clear to Louis the consequences of any further breach), the Panel determined a cumulative penalty was appropriate and ordered a two-month period of suspension."
The 27-year-old competed in the Rio Olympics
Louis has yet to comment on the punishment, but previously told fans he had "learnt a valuable life lesson" from his actions in a Twitter post when the video was first released.
"I am deeply sorry for the recent video you may have seen. I am not defending myself, what I did was wrong," Louis tweeted. "I want to say sorry for the deep offense I have caused and to my family who have also been affected by my thoughtless actions. I recognise the severity of my mistake and hope it can be used as an example of how important it is to respect others at all times."
Louis said he was "deeply sorry" for offending people
The gymnast concluded: "I have learnt a valuable life lesson and I wholeheartedly apologise."
Louis also missed the Team GB victory parade in London to visit mosques in a bid to make amends for his actions.
Speaking to BBC's Victoria Derbyshire, Louis admitted: "This whole situation has made me realise that there is a bigger world out there, and you need to climb out of your little shell and start to look at the world in a bigger way. It's been a very big eye-opener and I'm very glad that I took the time to come down and meet the people that I have."
