Why did the Iranian Swimming Federation reward this act of poor sportsmanship?

Question

Iranian swimmer Bidarian refused to compete in the same pool with an Israeli swimmer. The Iranian Swimming Federation gives him an appreciation ceremony.

If this is their attitude in athletics, what can we expect of Iran in international relations?

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1002588.html

Answer 1

Does this surprise you? That is typical from the middle east .. where politics and sports blend ....

Answer 2

Could be several reasons beyond just the obvious prejudice

How would you like to return to Iran having lost a swim race to a Jew?

In Iraq, Saddams son used to torture athletes that did not win.... and if they lost to a Jew they just disappeared

Not going to the olympics is better than having the soles of you feet beat until they bleed and you can not walk....