It’s fine to chase down interviews with competitors at the Olympic Games, but maybe try waiting until you’ve finished the one you’re doing.
At the very least, don’t be so damned obvious about it.
Former Olympic gold medalist and current IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was in Rio watching his 2012 team-mate Nicola Adams progress to the women’s flyweight final.
BBC presenter John Inverdale made time to speak to AJ about his compatriot’s achievements. So far so good.
But then…wait a minute…is he…looking over Joshua’s shoulder to try to catch the eye of someone else? During a live interview?
John Inverdale listen intently as he interviews Anthony Joshua pic.twitter.com/u7D8nasWAa
— reuben (@reubeern) August 18, 2016
He can’t be, surely?
Let’s check again…yup, we’re as sure as we can be.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm not convinced John Inverdale was entirely enthralled by what Anthony Joshua had to say. pic.twitter.com/jwEdFDOKNh
— Tom Craze (@TomCraze) August 18, 2016
It’s not the first time Inverdale has slipped up on air during the Rio games.
While interviewing Andy Murray about his Olympic tennis achievements, the broadcaster had to be reminded by Murray about the existence of Venus and Serena Williams, two of the sport’s most decorated players of their generation.
Some viewers were already asking questions of the 58-year-old after that particular episode, so his treatment of Joshua was hardly going to win him any new fans.
How rude is John inverdale? Talking to Anthony Joshua but ignoring him and constantly looking anywhere but at him! #bbcrio2016
— Martyn Scott ⭐⭐ 💙 (@Martyns5) August 18, 2016
Wondering who John Inverdale kept looking at whilst blatantly ignoring Anthony Joshua during their interview! #Rio2016 #bbcrio2016
— Mark Peters (@MarkPeters81) August 18, 2016
OMFG John Inverdale is the rudest interviewer ever! Not even listening to Anthony Joshua! (Hope he sparks him!!) 😜
— Emma Davidson (@emma_davidson5) August 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/Leon_Lowen/status/766327483595689984