How female athletes should not be portrayed

It is no longer just sprinters, long-distance runners, race walkers, long jumpers or pole vaulters who have to contend with ‘athletic movements’. Even cameramen must learn to ‘raise’ their cameras. A ‘sport’ of a completely different kind which, in the opinion of many, is not practised correctly, especially when it comes to filming female champions on television. This is what ‘Raising the Bar’ – the document issued by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) and European Athletics – seeks to explain, setting out guidelines to avoid ‘compromising’ or sexualising camerawork.

British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw, who also helped draft the recommendations, said: “Female athletes want to enjoy practising the sport they love without feeling uncomfortable or anxious about live broadcasts. Many of us, myself included, have found ourselves in competitive situations where we were more focused on the cameras than on our own performance.” In a competition where the female body (but also the male body) is inevitably on display and in full view of everyone, it is not hard to imagine how a camera can become a distraction. Bradshaw goes on to say: “The way our sport is broadcast on TV can be harmful to competing athletes and to the women and girls who follow us. I myself have been subjected to abuse on social media and have seen inappropriate videos online featuring myself and my colleagues when moments from our competitions were shown in slow motion.” Serbian long jumper Ivana Španovic echoes this view: “Some camera angles not only cause discomfort to the athletes and unnecessary distractions, but can also have long-term effects on mental health.”

To address the issue, the EBU urges that ‘compromising’ images of female athletes should not be shown to viewers. The quotation marks around ‘compromising’ are essential because, whilst an athlete’s peace of mind is crucial to performing at their best in a competition, one must also wonder whether certain recommendations might be excessive. The document provides examples of correct and incorrect camera positioning, accompanied by cartoon-style illustrations. According to the EBU, certain shots described as ‘artistic’ should be avoided because they frame female athletes from too low an angle, ending up focusing not so much on the athletic movement as on specific parts of the female body. For example, in the section on running disciplines, it states: “Filming female athletes from a perspective below the hips risks producing unflattering images. Therefore, it is preferable to position oneself in front of the athlete, where possible, or to avoid shots that are too close-up, especially during final preparations on the starting line and at moments of fatigue when they might collapse on the track”. We agree. Let us not broadcast the race at all. Just tell us the result and the finishing order straight away. Heaven forbid that a viewer might catch a glimpse of a muscle, a thigh or a buttock. And whilst we are at it, let us censor the physical exertion too, to make sure not even a drop of sweat is shown on air.

In the section on pole vaulting, there is still a questionable passage: “Sometimes it is difficult to predict when a female athlete will bend over in front of the camera, and sometimes it is impossible to avoid it; in this case (referring to the cartoon image), the athlete is lifting the pole, and a closer shot of her face before that moment, or the cameraman moving to her side, could have prevented this shot.” Here too, we must be careful. Let us inform the champions immediately not to bend over in that manner, so the problem is nipped in the bud. Even a replay showing the athlete with her stomach on full display as she tries to clear the bar is considered an inappropriate angle.

One wonders why this same consideration cannot be extended to male athletes? If we are to achieve true equality, no more push-ups, sit-ups or glute exercises for them either. But do we really need specific guidelines for women? Dr Romana Caruso, a psychiatrist specialising in sport and elite athletes, is convinced we do. Among her patients is a famous name: Sofia Goggia, who is not the only champion the doctor has treated. “A woman, especially at this moment in history,” she explains, “is heavily influenced by her appearance. There is a concern about how one is seen through the camera lens, through the eyes of the viewer. And certainly, certain camera angles go beyond good taste and respect for the athlete’s body as a person.” She then adds: “The root of the problem lies in a sporting culture that is outward-looking, focused on proving oneself and putting on a show, rather than being directed towards personal growth and talent. Too much emphasis is placed on aesthetics, clothing, hairstyles and sexuality. From a young age, women have to contend with this sexualising aspect of their bodies. If their inner focus wanes because they’re thinking about the camera, the audience, the coach and so on, their athletic performance suffers as a result.”

In short, we are discussing a sport presented as a spectacle rather than as a representation of sacrifice, the achievement of success, or a demonstration of willpower and perseverance (elements which are the real spectacle). The EBU document is certainly a step forward towards promoting a healthier image of sport, but it would not be right either to censor any movement deemed dangerous to the well-being of the athlete or the spectator. A middle ground is needed – or, as the EBU would put it, ‘a broader perspective’.