NBC apologises for misgendering transgender skier Elis Lundholm
NBC has apologised after its commentary team were accused of using incorrect pronouns when referring to transgender Olympic skier Elis Lundholm during women’s moguls coverage, reports BritPanorama.
The American broadcaster acknowledged that its announcers mistakenly used female pronouns throughout the broadcast, despite Lundholm identifying as male. The error sparked criticism from viewers and reignited debate surrounding gender identity within sports broadcasting.
Lundholm, who was born female, participates in the women’s moguls competition in accordance with current international sporting regulations. During the live Olympic broadcast, commentators referred to Lundholm as “she” on multiple occasions whilst describing the skier’s performance on the moguls course.
The network expressed regret for the mistake, emphasising its commitment to accuracy and respectful treatment of all athletes in its coverage. NBC subsequently issued a statement acknowledging the error, saying that ‘the misgendering’ did not align with the network’s editorial standards.
The incident has drawn attention to the complexities facing media organisations when covering transgender athletes at major sporting events. NBC apologised for the repeated mistakes but has not yet confirmed whether the error will prompt additional training for on-air talent or changes to internal policies.
Lundholm is part of a growing cohort of transgender competitors participating at elite level, an issue that has attracted significant international scrutiny and discussion. The International Olympic Committee permits individual sporting federations to determine their own eligibility criteria for transgender athletes, typically considering factors including hormone levels and competitive classification.
Sports governing bodies have maintained that their participation frameworks aim to strike a balance between promoting inclusion and preserving competitive fairness. The debate surrounding transgender athletes in elite competition continues to generate strong opinions, with advocacy groups and critics of current policies offering contrasting perspectives on eligibility standards.
Media organisations are increasingly providing guidance to their on-air presenters regarding appropriate terminology and respectful reporting practices when covering transgender athletes and participation rules. Advocacy groups argue that using correct identification is essential for ensuring athletes receive respectful treatment.
It remains clear that when sport intersects with personal identity, the implications extend beyond just the athletes themselves, revealing the intricate balance broadcasters must navigate as they report on evolving societal values.
