Gemma DaubeneyBBC News, in Jersey
Oscar JamesA Jersey surfer has admitted he made a “mistake” during the Great British surf cup, which was called off due to claims female competitors were verbally abused.
On Instagram, Ian Battrick said he had been “selfish and thoughtless” by paddling out while the competition in Thurso, Scotland, was happening but denied any physical or verbal abuse towards competitors.
Mr Battrick told the BBC that since the contest was postponed on Sunday, he had faced “overwhelming” criticism and false accusations.
Police in Scotland said no arrests had been made following the allegations of abuse but their investigation was continuing.
Mr Battrick, who was not competing in the event, admitted he had paddled out to “free surf” in an area where female surfers were competing.
He said: “We were told we could free surf, there were numerous people free surfing, not just myself.”
He said he had not considered how his actions could affect the competitors and organisers, but apologised to anyone who felt “disrespected or upset because of it”.
In his Instagram statement, Mr Battrick said the harassment he had faced online had been “heartbreaking”.
“Watching your name and your character twisted into something you don’t recognize is a kind of pain that’s hard to describe,” he said.
“The situation affects not only my personal reputation, but also a business I am involved in.”
He said he was committed to resolving the situation constructively, adding that he respects the athletes involved.
“I regret any upset caused,” he said.
