BBC dismisses Gabby Logan 'bullying' claims after heated interview with IAAF medical officer over norovirus outbreak
The exchange followed Isaac Makwala's controversial disqualification from the men's 400m final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC has defended sports presenter Gabby Logan over claims of "bullying" after a heated interview with IAAF medical officer Dr Pam Venning, following Isaac Makwala's controversial disqualification from the men's 400m final at the World Athletics Championships.
Makwala was banned from competing after complaining of a stomach bug amid an outbreak of the highly infectious norovirus which has affected dozens of athletes at the event in London.
The runner and the Botswanan federation subsequently hit out at the IAAF, claiming he had not been properly assessed and felt well enough to run and accused the governing body of unfair treatment.
When presented with these claims by Logan, Dr Venning said: "I have to trust my doctors. My role is to ensure the healthcare of all the athletes here and it's a very infectious and very virulent disease."
Viewers of the BBC’s athletics coverage felt Logan’s line of questioning overstepped the mark, however, with people accusing the presenter of “bullying”, “hectoring” and being “disrespectful” to her interviewee.
But the corporation defended Logan in a subsequent statement, explaining that there were “important questions” to be answered.
“There were important questions for the IAAF to answer about the case of Isaac Makwala not being able to run in the men's 400m final,” the statement said.
“We understand that some viewers were unhappy about the way in which Dr Pam Venning, head of medical services at the IAAF, was questioned by our presentation team — but the tone of the questioning was respectful with Dr Venning able to present the IAAF's position clearly.”
For its part, the IAAF claimed it was under a public safety obligation to contain the outbreak of the virus and their medical officers believed Makwala had been vomiting for a period of 18 hours.
"The team doctor, team leader and team physio had been informed following the medical examination that the athlete should be quarantined for 48 hours and would therefore be missing the 400m final on Tuesday," the IAAF said in a statement.
Dr Venning added that "all the other teams" with affected athletes had followed the IAAF’s instructions.
But several athletes and pundits, including former world champion Michael Johnson, accused the governing body of poor communication and inconsistencies.
Makwala eventually won a reprieve – following the expiration of his quarantine period – and was allowed to run an individual time-trial for the 200m heats.
He will face South African rival Wayde van Niekerk in the 200m final on Thursday night although he admits he is still running “with a broken heart” after missing Monday’s 400m showdown.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments