In a superior manner, the Norwegian women’s biathlon relay team secured victory in Hochfilzen on Sunday. There were two scary moments for Juni Arnekleiv – both happened immediately after her shooting.
In order to provide TV viewers with the best possible picture, the cameras at the shooting range are particularly close to the athletes. In the case of Juni Arnekleiv, the camera was too close on Sunday in Hochfilzen, much too close.
The Norwegian had to take cover after her two shooting sessions to avoid being hit in the head by the camera attached to a telescopic arm. This caused anger in the Norwegian camp for understandable reasons.
Biathlon Association draws conclusions
“I hope someone reported this. After both series I had to duck in front of the camera, which was 20 centimeters away from my face. That was a bit disgusting,” Arnekleiv told TV2 about the camera work.
The TV viewers were unaware of the incident. Those responsible decided not to broadcast the quite spicy scene. However, IBU event director Daniel Böhm announced consequences after the race.
“It will not happen again”
“The camera was very close to June and she had to move away. We have already talked to the competition judges at the shooting range and those responsible for TV production. They will now keep a greater distance from the athletes,” assured Böhm.
Nevertheless, the IBU representative spoke of a fine line in order to be able to deliver the best TV pictures and transport the excitement at the shooting range into the living rooms at home. “It’s a balancing act. On the one hand we want good pictures, but on the other hand we also want safe and fair competitions. We have to have the necessary distance [zwischen Kamera und Athleten] have. The TV production is informed. It won’t happen again,” said Böhm.