Starting-block camera images from the World Athletics Championships in Doha (Qatar) have now been restricted following officials complaints from some female competitors, who alleged the images showed “intimate areas.”
These cameras were built straight into runners’ starting-blocks, and IAAF intended to “provide innovative angles on the competition,” for instance showing how the athletes made’ last-minute preparations for the race.
However, some female athletes who are competing in Doha failed to embrace the enthusiasm of this technology, claiming instead that the innovative cameras could reveal intimate body parts.
Namely, German sprinters Tatjana Pinto and Gina Lückenkemper were vociferous in criticism of these close-up camera shots, by saying that they didn’t feel comfortable.
“I find it very unpleasant stepping over these cameras as I get into the blocks wearing these scanty clothes,” Lückenkemper said.
Therefore, representatives of the German Athletics Federation (DLV) alerted IAAF to address the issue raised by these German female athletes.
Now, under a current compromise reached by both sides, the IAAF shall restrict image usage, to show only the moment when athletes are placing their feet into the blocks.
