European Athletics moves to curb on-screen sexualisation of female athletes

European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union jointly developed comprehensive filming guidelines designed to eliminate inappropriate portrayals of female athletes in sports broadcasting. The initiative, titled "Raising the Bar," emerged from direct feedback by athletes who identified specific camera techniques that caused discomfort and distracted from athletic performance.

The guidelines advise broadcasters to avoid prolonged close-up shots of specific body parts, low-angle photography filmed from behind or beneath athletes, and slow-motion replays that do not contribute to understanding sporting action. Production teams are encouraged to employ wider camera angles that capture complete athletic movement and performance, along with innovative perspectives such as aerial views and educational graphics that explain technical elements.

Former world long jump champion Ivana Spanovic advocated for camera techniques that showcase athletic technique and movement beauty, such as slow-motion shots highlighting technical precision during specific moments like takeoffs or stride execution. The guidelines provide visual examples for filming high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and running events, marking recommended and discouraged angles with checkmarks and crosses respectively.

For high jump specifically, the guidelines note that low camera angles positioned beneath athletes create significant risk of generating compromising images, and slow-motion replays of athletes clearing the bar diminish technical insight while potentially producing inappropriate footage. The guidelines also address respectful capture of athlete emotions, celebrations, and coach interactions.

Glen Killane, executive director of EBU Sport, emphasized that sexualization of women athletes through selective camera angles and editing remains a significant concern across sports media, with lingering body shots, low-angle cameras capturing revealing views, and excessive slow-motion replays serving no legitimate technical or storytelling purpose.