Images from cameras built into the Seiko starting blocks at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha will be censored following protest from a number of female athletes.
German sprinters Tatjana Pinto and Gina Luckenkemper have led the criticism, saying standing above the cameras in short running shots wasn’t comfortable.
“Was a woman involved in developing this camera? I don’t think so,” Luckenkemper told Bild.
“We were probably not the only ones to lodge a protest,” she added.
This is a case where the quest for innovation within athletics has overshadowed practicality and reality.
Why the event organisers and Seiko thought the invasive block cam was a good idea is perplexing to many. It simply offers no value add to the broadcast and has made athletes feel rightfully uncomfortable in front of a large international audience.
The IAAF has agreed to start censoring the vision and will only broadcast footage once athletes are in position on the blocks. It will also be deleted every 24 hours.
