Olympians urge broadcasters to adopt guidelines curbing sexualized coverage

Kate Van Buskirk, a retired Canadian Olympian, described a 2021 race where camera crews filmed her in a vulnerable position, highlighting a broader pattern of sexualized coverage of female athletes. The Representation Project’s analysis of the Tokyo Olympics showed women were photographed almost ten times more than men, despite broadcasters’ prior instructions to focus on sport rather than sex appeal. In July 2026, the European Broadcasting Union and European Athletics issued guidelines targeting intrusive camera work, low-angle shots and gratuitous slow-motion replays.

Elissavet Arapi warned that such images can be quickly shared online and provoke abusive comments. While some experts, like Michele Donnelly, argue the guidelines should be mandatory, broadcasters including one outlet and the Olympic Broadcasting Services say they are committed to respecting athletes’ dignity and are updating their production practices.