Commentary: TV broadcast ruins the Olympic skiing - Klæbo thanks
The article discusses the issues with television scheduling affecting Olympic skiing events, as commented on by Finnish athlete Wille Karhumaa.
The article highlights the growing frustration among Nordic skiers regarding the impact of weather conditions on their competitions, particularly during Olympic events. Finnish combined skier Wille Karhumaa expressed his discontent following a recent race, where poor snow conditions significantly affected the competition. He pointed out that the recurring problem of slushy snow and deteriorating course conditions has now been evident during multiple recent championships, like those in Oberstdorf, Planica, and Val di Fiemme, underscoring a pattern that seems to arise in Central European venues.
The author argues that the issues with snow quality are a direct consequence of the scheduling of events to fit television broadcast timings rather than the athletes' performance needs. The typical scenario involves freezing temperatures at night, making for fast tracks in the morning, which soon become soft and problematic as the day progresses. To avoid such conditions, the writer suggests that competitions should be scheduled to start earlier in the morning, around 9 or 10 AM, when the snow is still in optimal condition.
However, the article conveys a sense of resignation as it acknowledges the impracticality of this idea due to television networks favoring prime-time slots for higher viewership. This conflict highlights a broader issue in sports where the needs of fans and broadcasters may overshadow the interests of the athletes, creating a persistent frustration within the skiing community.