Louis Smith branded ‘bad loser’ after appearing to swear and failing to shake Max Whitlock’s hand at Olympics

The gymnast was in tears as he received the silver medal
Emma Powell15 August 2016
The Weekender

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Louis Smith was branded a “bad loser” by viewers when he appeared to swear after losing out on an Olympic gold medal to his team mate Max Whitlock.

Viewers chastised the gymnast for failing to congratulate Whitlock after the pair were presented with their medals for the pommel horse.

Smith – who was crying as he received his silver medal – also appeared to say “that's b*******” to third-placed American Alexander Naddour as the results were announced.

His actions sparked a backlash on social media which saw some users slam his “terrible sportsmanship”.

Smith later defended his actions and insisted that he did congratulate Whitlock, but claimed it wasn't shown on camera.

He encouraged another user to ask Whitlock what happened and added that he was off to celebrate with a beer because he was not interested in the opinions of others.

He tweeted: "Tell you what tweet Max and ask him. I'm going to have a beer. Lions don't worry about the opinion of sheep."

Following his win, Smith told the BBC that he was disappointed not to have won gold.

"I'm feeling so many different emotions," he said. "I would've like to have got a gold.

"I don't know if this will be my last Olympics."

He later congratulated Whitlock on Twitter, writing: "I'm so relieved. What a pommel final!! @maxwhitlock1 a true champion. So happy to be here and do my best. I owe so much to my coach Paul."

Rio 2016 Olympic Games Moments - In pictures

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Whitlock made history when he scooped gold for the floor and another for the pommel horse.

Speaking about his achievement he said: “This has outdone all my expectations. I can proudly say I can finish these Olympics with a smile on my face. This is incredible.”

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