Keely Hodgkinson backed up the hype after claiming her first Olympic gold medal for Team GB in Paris on Monday and the BBC were on-hand to show the moment live as it happened.
The 22-year-old finally claimed her first major gold medal after a number of silver finishes to add to Britain's haul in Paris.
Hodgkinson, who trains with Ireland's Sarah Healy, gave a shoutout to her friend when speaking to RTÉ after her 800m success.
Paris 2024: Keely Hodgkinson speaks to @DavidGillick after winning 800m gold, with a shout out for Ireland's Sarah Healy
📺 Watch https://t.co/XnOP6grVqF
📱Updates https://t.co/RMawWKcZqz#Paris2024 #Olympicgames pic.twitter.com/pQPvu4G163— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 5, 2024
Sarah is amazing," Hodgkinson said.
"I cannot wait to see her put on a show as well.
"She has grown in confidence and we continue to push each other on and I am sure the best is yet to come for her."
Awkward moment BBC cameras show Keely Hogdkinson's family and friends
There was serious expectation on the shoulders of Hogkinson, with the BBC opting to place cameras as her friends and family watched on at her local Leigh Harriers and Athletic Club.
It has been a common practice from state broadcaster's in their coverage of the Olympic Games for decades, with RTÉ notably doing the same for Mona McSharry's bronze medal win last week.
However, the BBC opted to cut to those watching Hodgkinson prior to her race even beginning in hope of getting a wave from her expectant followers.
The problem was that those in attendance appeared completely oblivious to the fact they were on national TV, indicating they were watching on a different channel.
Eurosport also carries live coverage of the Olympics these days, with a number of diehard fans complementary of their broadcasts on social media throughout the event.
It appears those at the club may also have been watching coverage on the rival broadcaster, leading to an awkward moment on the BBC.
The awkward moment when you cut to Keely Hodgkinson’s family and friends hoping for a big wave and they’re all watching Eurosport #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/FfnA71ZQ2i
— Tom Hourigan (@TomHourigan) August 5, 2024
BBC presenter Gabby Logan could only laugh as she asked for a wave and failed to garner their attention, suggesting they could be watching a different station.
Of course, it is also possible that they were watching on a delayed feed of the BBC's coverage and had not learned they were on the live broadcast until after their opportunity had passed.
Whatever the cause, it certainly made for a cringe bit of TV.
UPDATE: Logan replied to Tom Hourigan's original tweet late last night saying a really long delay was to blame for the lack of reply
Apparently there was a very long delay 😂
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) August 5, 2024
