A major shake-up is coming to the way women’s athletics is filmed. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), in partnership with European Athletics, has introduced new broadcasting guidelines designed to tackle the sexualisation of female athletes on screen.

The guidance, titled Raising the Bar, encourages broadcasters to prioritise athletic performance over camera shots that unnecessarily draw attention to athletes' bodies.

Under the new recommendations, broadcasters are urged to avoid lingering close-ups of specific body parts, low-angle shots filmed from behind or below athletes, and slow-motion replays that offer little technical or storytelling value. Instead, camera operators are encouraged to use wider angles, aerial shots and replays that highlight technique, movement and the skill behind each performance.

The move comes after years of female athletes speaking out about how certain broadcast shots left them feeling uncomfortable, arguing that coverage often focused more on their physiques than the elite performances taking place. Many have also pointed out that these clips are frequently taken out of context, shared online and subjected to inappropriate comments, adding another layer of scrutiny beyond the competition itself.

British Olympian Holly Bradshaw was among the athletes who helped shape the guidance, having previously spoken about the online abuse and unwanted attention sparked by certain camera angles. 

Former world champion Ivana Španović also backed the changes, suggesting broadcasters can still create visually engaging coverage by focusing on athletic technique rather than compromising shots.

Since news of the guidelines broke, many members of the public have welcomed the changes. Across social media, plenty of men and women, not just athletes, praised the move, arguing that women's sport deserves to be showcased for the dedication, strength and talent on display, rather than camera angles that risk reducing competitors to their appearance. 

While some questioned whether new guidance was necessary, the overall reaction leaned towards broadcasters finally putting respect and performance at the centre of the conversation.