As 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder' Photo with Home Athlete Spreads... Australian Referee Finally Expelled [Paris Olympics]

"Inappropriate Interaction Between Referees and Players"

A male Australian surfing judge at the 2024 Paris Olympics was ultimately dismissed after a photo of him with his arm around an Australian athlete spread online.

On the 2nd, foreign media including ABC News reported, "A photo taken on the coast of Tahiti, French Polynesia, showing a surfing athlete and a judge with their arms around each other spread online, leading to the judge's removal."

Australian coach Beda Derbyshire (from left), Australian surfing athlete Eason Ewing, Australian referee Benjamin Lowy. [Image source=Instagram]

On a day without competitions, a commentator posted a photo on their social media. In the photo, Australian judge Benjamin Lowy was smiling with his arm around Australian surfing athlete Eson Ewing. The photo also included the Australian team coach, Veda Derby.

As the photo circulated, netizens pointed out that camaraderie between judges and athletes at this point was inappropriate. As the controversy grew, the International Surfing Association (ISA) stated, "We have confirmed that a photo showing an Australian Olympic judge interacting with Australian athletes and coaches is being circulated on social media," adding, "It is inappropriate for judges to interact in this manner."

Accordingly, to preserve the integrity and fairness of the competition, the ISA decided to dismiss Lowy from the judging panel for the remainder of the event. The ISA explained that this decision was made in accordance with the ISA Code of Conduct and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Code of Ethics.