European Athletics and EBU issue guidelines against sexualization in sport

European Athletics and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have released new guidelines aimed at promoting respectful media coverage of female athletes, specifically within track and field. The recommendations focus on avoiding unnecessarily sexualizing camera angles and framing, seeking instead to highlight the strength, precision, and technical skill of the competitors.

Athletics supporter Lina Simons noted that while social media has exacerbated the issue through invasive filming by spectators and photographers, the new guidelines have been met with positive feedback from the athletic community. Simons stated, "The girls and women simply feel more comfortable with the idea that more attention will be paid to how they are filmed in the future."

Although the guidelines currently serve as recommendations rather than mandatory rules, they are intended to foster dialogue between broadcasters, directors, and athletes. The initiative aligns with Safe Sport Day, emphasizing that respectful visual storytelling can coexist with high-quality technical production.