language alert in sports broadcasting after comments on chinese skater
Amsterdam, donderdag, 12 februari 2026.
a growing debate has emerged over racial language in dutch sports coverage. kijkcijferkenner tina nijkamp raised concerns after broadcasters repeatedly referred to a chinese skater as ‘the chinese guy’ during live coverage. she pointed out the consistent use of ethnic labels instead of personal names. according to nijkamp this practice undermines individual identity and promotes ethnic profiling. her remarks followed intense public reactions to a collision involving joep wennemars and chinese athlete ziwen lian. while many support her stance others defend common phrasing in fast-paced commentary. the discussion now focuses on journalistic responsibility in preventing stereotypes. nijkamp emphasizes every athlete has a name and deserves to be called by it.
controversy erupts after broadcast reference to chinese skater
The term ‘the Chinese’ was repeatedly used during live sports broadcasts following a collision involving Dutch skater Joep Wennemars and China’s Ziwen Lian at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Journalist and viewership analyst Tina Nijkamp criticized the phrasing, calling attention to its discriminatory undertone. She noted that referring to athletes by nationality rather than name reinforces ethnic labeling in public discourse [1]. Her critique gained traction on social media, sparking national conversation about inclusive reporting practices in real-time commentary [2].
nijkamp challenges normative language in sports journalism
Tina Nijkamp emphasized that every athlete carries a personal identity beyond nationality, urging commentators to prioritize names over ethnic descriptors [1]. On her social media, she highlighted instances where broadcasters said phrases such as ‘one Chinese skater helps another achieve a medal,’ which she argues perpetuates collective stereotyping [2]. While acknowledging unintentional wording choices, Nijkamp stressed that consistent naming honors individual achievement. She urged media outlets like NOS and RTL to adopt more respectful linguistic standards during live coverage [1][2].
public reaction divided over terminology in fast-paced settings
While many supported Nijkamp’s call for greater sensitivity in sports commentary, some defended the use of shorthand terms amid rapid developments [1]. Critics argue that live broadcasts require brevity, making references like ‘the Chinese skater’ practical for clarity under pressure. However, opponents counter that other international athletes are routinely named without confusion [GPT]. The debate underscores broader tensions between editorial efficiency and responsible representation in mainstream media.
journalistic norms questioned amid rising awareness of bias
Media organizations face increasing scrutiny over how race and ethnicity are framed in athletic contexts. Nijkamp suggested a simple solution: mention the athlete’s name first, then their country if relevant [2]. This approach maintains clarity while affirming individual identity. With global audiences monitoring inclusivity standards, Dutch broadcasters may need to revise internal guidelines. The incident serves as a case study in balancing immediacy with respect in modern sports journalism [1][2].