- Channel 9 has been criticized by fans
- The announcer did not show Jess Hull’s race
- He has a good chance of winning a medal in Paris.
Channel 9 has come under fire after snubbing Australian star Jess Hull’s debut at the Paris Olympics.
Nine opted not to show Hull’s 1500m heat on its main channel overnight, shunting it to its secondary channel despite him shaving five seconds off his personal best and breaking the 2000m world record ahead of the Games.
She is also one of Australia’s strongest contenders to win a medal on the track.
Instead, they showed the first series, which featured fellow Australian Georgia Griffith, who qualified for the semi-finals, and the second series, which saw Linden Hall relegated to the play-offs.
Hull’s race began after the news bulletin ended and Nine chose to show a repeat of Jack Robinson’s silver medal in surfing from earlier on Tuesday, plus horse riding and rock climbing on its main channel.
Hull advanced safely to the semi-finals, but Nine’s bizarre decision remained in the minds of Australian fans.
The decision was criticized by sprinter and track coach Tim Rosen.
“Channel 9 showing a replay of a surfing competition instead of showing Jess Hull’s 1500m heat live might be the biggest stupidity I’ve ever seen in sports production. And yes, I did watch it on 9Now. Seriously,” he tweeted.
Channel 9 has been criticised for not showing Jessica Hull’s 1500-metre race
Australian runner is the country’s best bet for a medal on the track in Paris
“I wondered the same thing,” replied journalist Luke Dennehy. “Why weren’t they showing the third heat with Jess Hull live, considering they spent the last half hour talking about it?”
One fan wrote: “What’s wrong with Channel 9’s coverage? Preview reruns of diving and surfing on both their free-to-air channels! No Jess Hull!!”
‘They don’t cover athletics unless there’s a big name competing? Really disappointing! Second rate coverage.’
Another fan said: “We missed the action because you’ve completely forgotten about it. Jess Hull is our only favourite to win a medal on the track – she’s just run her only primetime race in Australia and you’ve completely missed it.”
“Disgraceful @Channel9,” said a third fan. “Jess Hull is racing, she’s the ultimate hope and you’ve dropped out to pursue horse riding and rock climbing. Ridiculous decision.”
A fourth fan spoke to the nation, writing: “Can’t wait to see Jessica Hull’s heat in the 9th! Our fastest ever women’s 1500m runner and a chance at gold! Wait, what is this? Surfing without waves (at least there was one Aussie in the final), horse riding, diving… No, Jess! Thanks @Channel9.”