Olympic gymnast medallist Louis Smith warned after Twitter outburst
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 18/04/16 3:24pm
Great Britain gymnast Louis Smith has been warned that his criticism via Twitter of judges at this month's national championships was "not acceptable".
British Gymnastics said in a statement on Monday that it had accepted an apology from Smith and made clear that the 26-year-old is "fully aware of the consequences of any further indiscretions".
Smith, who retired in 2013 but returned a year later, is hoping to compete at the Rio Olympics in August, but lost to team-mate Max Whitlock at the British artistic gymnastics championships in Liverpool on April 10.
After the event, Smith replied to a comment on Twitter by posting: "I am actually really bitter. Thought I done enough, passionate about my sport my journey and my dreams. Still happy for Max. The cut is open and deep and the judges are rubbing salt in it. Ha I've never been the guy to keep quiet."
"I aired my frustration, verbally and through social media because I genuinely thought I had performed the best routine of the day," he said in a statement published on the British Gymnastics website on Monday.
I realise the way that I expressed my feelings was wrong and it should never have happened.
Louis Smith on his Twitter comments
"Having had time to cool off, and following conversations with British Gymnastics, who have helped me see the consequences of my actions, I realise the way that I expressed my feelings was wrong and it should never have happened."
Smith apologised to his team-mates, the fans and judges for any offence caused and said he would get back in the gym to focus on next month's European championships and Olympics.
"Being a gymnast can be difficult because the sport is subjective; coupled with that I am very driven, and passionate about the sport that I love," said Smith.
"None of that is meant to be an excuse for my behaviour, but I am human and I let my emotions get the better of me."
Smith took a pommel horse silver medal at his home London Games in 2012 and a pommel horse bronze in Beijing in 2008.
The individual members of the British team to travel to Rio are due to be announced in July.
