BBC Athletics commentary is dire because.......

[Pipsquiggle]

Of the crowd noise!

Trying to hear Gabby, Denise, Jess & Michael but it sounds like they are in the crowd - lots of clapping and cheering, you can't hear them speak.

The sound department need to sort this out ASAP. It's really ruining the programme.

Just seen Keely win her 800m semi-final. I couldn't hear what they were saying after.
It's ridiculous, the slow clapping, then the bursts of shouting/ cheering.
I am assuming all the other TV companies in the stadium are suffering the same noise issues.

Personally, I would cancel the stadium studio and use the one near the Eiffel tower

I am actually thinking of writing to the BBC about this - does anyone know the correct email address?

Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe, Steve Backley… absolute no-hopers.

I like hearing the crowd. It adds atmosphere. But I can see it’s problematic for people with hearing issues.

@bridgetreilly if they're all so hopeless, who would you suggest?

Thanks for ignoring the obvious sarcasm.

I love Michael Johnson. Always seems to have something interesting to say about the running and that must be difficult.

As for the person going on about the underqualified commentators, there are no words.

So all the 'live commentary' whilst the event is happening, I can hear perfectly clearly - they probably use different microphones, like football commentators.
It's when they cut back to Gabby et al that the 'background' noise is too loud.

@bridgetreilly you said they were all no hopers . I took it you meant as commentators

Matt Baker was a gymnast

It's ridiculous, the slow clapping, then the bursts of shouting/ cheering.
I am assuming all the other TV companies in the stadium are suffering the same noise issues.

We’re watching from France (it’s on multiple domestic channels at times) and so far at least we’re not getting the sort of sound problems you and other posters have described, either during races or during post race interviews.

Can’t get BBC where we are so sadly cannot do a direct compare and contrast.

The Olympics only has a week to run so just sign up for the free week of Discovery and watch on Eurosport

Sound level behind the commentators is better this evening around the men's 100m, but the background noise is still high enough to be distracting and interrupting when I want to hear the presenters clearly.

I must have missed the fan fair for the womens 100m final

Wow that’s rude. They’re all good athletes and I find what they say insightful. Why do you think they’re hopeless?

So apparently, it was not obvious that I was responding to this comment with major sarcasm in my tone.

Agree re the sound for the athletics OP, they need to sort it out.

I'm quite enjoying the three pundits with Gaby, they all know their stuff. Same with the swimming pundits. Steve cram's commentary is bloody awful though.

Also don't need to hear from the competitors and the inane questions asked of them!

No it wasn't obvious. Maybe you could have quoted the bit you were referring to so non mindreaders like me didn't pick you up wrongly.

Agreed. She’s out of her depth.

I'm not that keen on Claire either but she seems to be regarded as some kind of national treasure for some reason

I think Clare Balding is a good presenter. I found the Adam Peaty ‘fastest boy’ comment equally cute and annoying, although it was his son who said - who’s only about 3 or 4 - so I think we can excuse it 😂😂

lol. There’s a thread on Mumsnet tonight about a woman calling her friend’s kid “dead behind the eyes” and she is beyond distraught about it

I think the French have failed to provide soundproofed booths which is normal in most big sports events. Don't think it's anything to do with BBC.

I am absolutely loving the coverage and commentary this year and also LOVE Clare Balding. Michael Johnson is not only a champ but has long been one of the best track analysts/pundits. They all really know their stuff and are warm, exciting and engaging in the coverage. The swimming was particularly excellent commentary.

I did notice the repeat sound issues tonight but the BBC have some of the best technical teams in the world - I expect they're doing their best in the difficult circs of a temporary open stadium. I'm so grateful for the coverage tbh and it's a very welcome antidote to the news/everything else!

I don't know what the issue is, sound was fine tonight, also loving all the presenting teams. I swear people here just main about the bbc whatever, you do realise they can't make the crowd quiet for track side interviews and the area allocated for the team is well allocated, no choice!

Clare Balding is excellent - natural and genuine (incidentally she was exactly the same when I met her in real life).

Becky Adlington is brilliant - I really enjoy her enthusiasm.

The sound, whilst nice to hear the crowd, could be better!