Broadcasters, including the BBC, have been given fresh rules for filming female athletes. The guidelines have come into force for the first time at the current European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
It follows criticism of the way women at major athletics events have previously been captured with unnecessary camera angles, leading to accusation the sport was being sexualised. The most high-profile example was the infamous and short-lived "crotch cams" that were placed in the starting blocks at the World Championships in Qatar in 2019.
Athletes welcome the changes
Several British athletes, including recently crowned European 100m champion Amy Hunt, have spoken out in favour of the changes, which have been developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Hunt believes having more women in production positions would help matters. She told the Telegraph: "For me, it's about having women in those positions, in those broadcasting rooms to flag, 'Oh maybe the cameras in the blocks aren’t such a good idea for female athletes.'
"Having women as part of the process the whole time is enabling us to have better conversations and flag things when maybe people wouldn't realise.
"It's definitely a really welcome change to be able to just focus on the sport. We shouldn't have to change what we're wearing in order to feel comfortable. I want to feel fast and powerful. I don't want to feel in any way like I'm inhibited by my clothing."
Positive guidance for athletes
Pole vaulter Molly Caudery told the BBC: "It's not controversial, it's a very sensible decision. It is positive guidance and change.
"For up-and-coming athletes, this is such a positive change. In pole vault, there are so many angles you can film from, so just taking one out is not going to be an issue. It will hopefully lead to everyone just focusing on performance."
Middle-distance athlete Hannah England was involved in developing the guidelines. She said: "To be blunt, if you go on the internet and search certain athletes, you get bombarded with clips of them competing in compromising positions. That's just not OK."
