Channel 9 in Olympics controversy, Australian announcer criticised for ‘scandalous’ snub of star athlete in Paris

Channel 9 has been criticised after ignoring Australian star Jess Hull’s broadcast during the Paris Olympics.

Nine decided not to broadcast Hull’s 1500m heat on its main channel overnight, sending her to the secondary channel despite the fact she shaved five seconds off her personal best and broke the 2000m world record before the Games.

She is also one of Australia’s leading contenders to win a medal on the track.

Instead, they played compatriot Georgia Griffith in the first heat, who qualified for the semi-finals, and in the second heat Linden Hall were relegated to the repechage.

The race in Hull kicked off after the news finished and Nine decided to air a replay of Jack Robinson’s surfing silver medal from earlier on Tuesday, plus the equestrian and rock climbing on the main channel.

Hull safely reached the semi-finals, but Nine’s bizarre statement stuck in the minds of Australian fans.

The decision was criticized by sprinter and track and field coach Tim Rosen.

‘Channel 9 goes to a surf replay instead of showing Jess Hull’s 1500m heat live. That is possibly the dumbest shit I have ever seen in sports production in my life. And yes. I watched it on 9Now. But seriously,’ he tweeted.

Channel 9 has been criticised for not airing Jessica Hull’s 1,500-metre broadcast

The Australian runner has the country’s best chance of a medal on the track in Paris

‘I was wondering the same thing,’ journalist Luke Dennehy replied. ‘Why wouldn’t they broadcast the third heat live with Jess Hull, since they’ve been talking about her for the last half hour?’

A fan wrote: ‘What’s wrong with Channel 9’s reporting… pre-release re-runs of diving and surfing on their 2 free channels!! No Jess Hull!!

“Don’t they cover athletics unless there’s a big name in it!! … Really disappointing! Second rate reporting.”

Another fan said: ‘We missed the action because you completely forgot. Jess Hull is our only contender for an athletics medal – she just ran her only Australian primetime race and you completely missed it.’

‘Disgraceful @Channel9,’ said a third fan. ‘Jess Hull is racing, top hope and you’re going into horse racing and rock climbing. Ridiculous decision.’

A fourth fan addressed the nation, writing: ‘Can’t wait to see Jessica Hull’s heat on 9! Our fastest 1500m runner ever and a shot at a gold medal! Wait – what is this? Surfing with no waves (at least there was an Aussie in the final), horse riding, springboard diving… No Jess! Thanks @Channel9.’