Golden glory
British cyclists and rowers lead medal rush on Super Saturday
SIR STEVE REDGRAVE’S relationships with some of his BBC co-presenters appeared to be under further strain yesterday, after a series of on-screen spats.
Redgrave had already clashed with John Inverdale twice in recent days before the pair went head to head again.
The latest clash occurred when the former rower – winner of gold medals at five consecutive Olympics between 1984 and 2000 – prevented Inverdale from interviewing New Zealand rower Mahe Drysdale after Inverdale had appeared to grab him. Redgrave insisted the newly-crowned single sculls Olympic champion should be allowed to speak to New Zealand TV first, prompting a wave of support on social media.
Mark Pinsent tweeted: “Nice to see Sir Steve Redgrave schooling John Inverdale on post-race interview etiquette on live TV. But we know that Inverdale lacks class.”
David Majsterek added: “Possibly the best moment of @BBCSport rio coverage so far ..... John Inverdale getting put in his place by Steve Redgrave.”
However, it was a very different story on Friday night. BBC sports reporter Jill Douglas was heard to tell the 54year-old, Britain’s third most decorated Olympian, “Let me do this”, after he barged past her to embrace cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins following his victory in the men’s team pursuit. An exasperated Douglas motioned for Redgrave to move, as Wiggins, watched by fellow velodrome legend Sir Chris Hoy, thanked “my two heroes”.
The incidents capped a wretched few days for the BBC, which has been stung by widespread criticism of key aspects of its live broadcasts from Rio.
The organisation has come under fire from viewers frustrated by the poor sound quality and “dire” commentary during the official opening ceremony.
Last week the Rio commentary team were accused of openly cheering TeamGB athletes, while subjecting foreign competitors to “scathing” analysis. Audiences have also complained of having to change channel several times to follow the same event. The broadcaster has scheduled its live coverage across BBC1, BBC2 and BBC4 between 9.15am and 4am, leaving scores of viewers furious at missing key moments.
A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC is bringing audiences comprehensive Olympic coverage with more than 3,000 hours of live sporting action across TV, radio, online and digital. BBC One is a mixed genre channel and all channel switches to BBC Two and Four are clearly signposted on air by presenters.”