Scandal: television zooms in on the buttocks of athlete Johanna Färber

During the bouldering world cup in Innsbruck, a cameraman filmed Johanna Färber's buttocks for seconds in a close-up shot during the live broadcast. The athlete herself and the climbing scene are shocked.

On Saturday, June 26th 2021, the bouldering semifinals of the IFSC World Cup took place in Innsbruck. During the live broadcast by the Austrian state television ORF, a cameraman zoomed in on the rear of athlete Johanna Fäber for a few seconds. The 23-year-old is outraged and ventured her anger on Instagram.

On the same day, the live broadcast published on Youtube was removed and uploaded again in a shortened version. The International Climbing Association IFSC published the following apology on Twitter:

ORF director Michael Kögler apologizes to Johanna Färber and the climbing community for the incident during the live broadcast of the Boulder World Cup in Innsbruck.
ORF director Michael Kögler apologizes to Johanna Färber and the climbing community for the incident during the live broadcast of the Boulder World Cup in Innsbruck. (Image IFSC Twitter)

There was also great outrage in the climbing community. "An apology was urgently needed", "terrible that the commentators did not react," was the tenor of the reactions to the apology on the part of ORF.

Top 10 placement in Innsbruck

Apart from the incident mentioned above, the Bouldering World Cup went extremely well for Johanna Färber. She topped two boulders in the semifinals and made it into the top 10 of a World Cup again.

Another top 10 placement at a World Cup. I missed the final by a single place, it hurts, but at the same time I'm highly motivated!

Johanna Färber
Johanna Färber at the Bouldering World Cup in Innsbruck. (Photo Lena Drapella)
Johanna Färber at the Bouldering World Cup in Innsbruck. (Photo Lena Drapella)

That might interest you

News

Saxony's bivouac dispute: Where self-regulation ends 

Since 2026, bivouacking (or "boofen") in the Saxon Switzerland National Park has been prohibited from February 1st to June 15th. Mountaineering associations are challenging this legally – which also puts the decades-long model of self-regulation to the test.

Speed ​​and efficiency in large walls – Part 1

This two-part article focuses on speed and efficiency in multi-pitch climbing – not just on big walls, but also on long ridges or wherever you might find yourself. Can such an article do justice to this topic?

A dream tour: Corno Grande (2.912m), highest peak of the Apennines

Corno Grande in the Gran Sasso massif is one of the most fascinating peaks in Europe. Visible from afar, it towers above all the other peaks and mountains of the Apennines. And the best part: you can enjoy fantastic hikes here any time of year.

Red Bull X-Alps 2027: New challengers, old hands and a novelty

The field of participants for the 2027 Red Bull X-Alps has been finalized: 37 athletes from 16 countries will tackle the next edition of the world's toughest adventure race. The starting field has never been so large or so female – and for the first time, there will also be a separate women's ranking.

Saxony's bivouac dispute: Where self-regulation ends 

Since 2026, bivouacking (or "boofen") in the Saxon Switzerland National Park has been prohibited from February 1st to June 15th. Mountaineering associations are challenging this legally – which also puts the decades-long model of self-regulation to the test.

Speed ​​and efficiency in large walls – Part 1

This two-part article focuses on speed and efficiency in multi-pitch climbing – not just on big walls, but also on long ridges or wherever you might find yourself. Can such an article do justice to this topic?

A dream tour: Corno Grande (2.912m), highest peak of the Apennines

Corno Grande in the Gran Sasso massif is one of the most fascinating peaks in Europe. Visible from afar, it towers above all the other peaks and mountains of the Apennines. And the best part: you can enjoy fantastic hikes here any time of year.