The BBC commentator issued an apology minutes into the first race at the London Diamond League on Saturday, after a caption error appeared on screen. The coverage, broadcast on BBC One, featured presenters Jeanette Kwakye, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Paula Radcliffe, and Steve Cram.
Caption Error Disrupts Opening Race
As the men's 1500-meter wheelchair race began, host Jeanette Kwakye introduced the commentary team. Steve Cram then apologised for the error, saying: "Sorry that these captions aren't quite right. Not the best way to start, but yes. So we've actually got an extra athlete." After the issue was corrected, he added: "There we go. We're back on track." The race featured Paralympic champion Marcel Hug, who later won the 100-meter wheelchair event.
Viewers Complain About Coverage
Some viewers took to social media to express dissatisfaction with the broadcast. One wrote: "It used 2 b the @BBCSport had the best technical people. The sound quality and balance @ the London diamond league shows that is no longer the case. The balance is all wrong. The stadium volume is so high u can’t hear the commentators." Another complained: "Show the athletes and STOP the blah blahhhhhh 90% blah 10% sport." A third added: "Dear @BBCSport Can I just point out that we, your long-suffering viewers, do NOT want or need 'presenters' for athletics. I mute their waffling and posing."
Some Praise for Presenters
However, not all feedback was negative. One viewer praised: "Love watching #DiamondLeague athletics on #BBC1 with the wonderful Jeanette Kwakye! Thanks @BBCSport." Another said: "Good seeing Jessica Ennis-Hill and Jeanette Kwakye at the London Athletics Meet." The London Diamond League, the 11th event of the series, was held at the London Stadium with a crowd still arriving as the first race began.
