– It is completely insane, says Julie Thorsen to news. The former Norwegian diver, with a number of NM medals, has closely followed the scandal during the WC in Japan. It was on Monday, among other things during the synchronized diving exercise, that two high-profile Italian commentators are said to have made remarks that are perceived as racist and sexist. According to the Italian media, they are said to have commented, among other things, on the appearance of some divers. The remarks are said to have been made in a private conversation that was picked up by microphones. It must again have been sent on consignment. Read the explanation of one commenter further down in the article. – Has affected female skydivers The two are associated with Italy’s national broadcaster (RAI), and in Italy a large number of complaints have flowed in to the national public broadcaster after the incident. The commentators have later been sent home from Japan. NORWAY CHAMPION: Julie Thorsen. Photo: Private – I was very shocked when I read about it for the first time. As a diver and athlete, you wear little clothing, and in action it is very vulnerable. You are very conscious of how you look yourself, says Thorsen. – How has the diving community reacted to this? – It didn’t take long from the time it happened until it was posted everywhere on Instagram. It has affected several people – especially female divers, she replies. The 24-year-old currently works as a journalist on TV 2 and a judge in the dock. In her job as a judge, she travels a lot to competitions all over the world. She therefore knows well the people who have been exposed to the comments. – We follow each other on social media and talk to them from time to time when I’m out judging. It’s not long since I talked to them that it actually applies, says the Norwegian champion. IN THE NORGE STOP: Julie Thorsen has a number of NM medals from her career as a diver. Now she works as a diving judge. Photo: Private Commentator distances himself When asked by Corriere della Sera, one commentator confirms that he did in fact make some of the criticized comments, but he denies having said everything he is criticized for. At the same time, he clarifies that the remarks came in what he thought was small talk with a colleague. In other words, the TV profile didn’t know he was on air. – I distance myself from everything that has been picked up by a microphone that is turned on for technical reasons and is one and a half meters away from me. Some of these phrases that have been attributed to me I did not actually say. In addition to being sent home from the championship, RAI director Roberto Sergio confirms that they will open disciplinary proceedings against the two commentators. Julie Thorsen thinks Italian RAI has resolved the matter well in retrospect. – Diving is a small sport and everyone knows everyone. We are a deep family and we are so few. We must support each other. So when things like that come to light, it is absolutely right that the commentators are sent home, she says.
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