You know, Im just curious. Doesnt anyone else think it rude that the Iranian athlete wouldnt shake the Duchesses hand? I understand the religion thing but come on, its the paralympics for goodness sake. You would think that being he wasnt in a private setting or in an awkward situation, there would be some kind agreement. Its the Duchess for crying out loud! Well I for one thought it disrespectful and tacky. I know she was supposedly warned about this but, really? Just curious.
I think he was very tactful. In his culture AFAIK shaking hands with a non-related female means that he thinks of her as a whore - it's a gesture of respect not to touch her (a bit like people should not touch the queen).