Australian Presenter Apologizes for Drinking Before Slurred Olympics Report
Saturday, 2026/02/21190 words3 minutes828 reads
Danika Mason, one of Australia's most prominent sports reporters, has apologized after a video of her struggling to speak clearly during a live broadcast from the Winter Olympics went viral on social media.
The Channel Nine journalist was reporting from Italy when viewers noticed she was slurring her words and appeared confused. During the broadcast, she made unusual comments about iguanas and coffee prices while trying to deliver her sports report.
The following day, Mason appeared on television again to take responsibility for the incident. She explained that she had consumed alcohol before going on air and had also failed to eat dinner. She added that the cold weather and high altitude in Italy had made the situation worse.
"I totally misjudged the situation," Mason said. "I shouldn't have had a drink, especially in these conditions. I want to take full responsibility, it's not the standard I set myself. I'm genuinely really sorry."
The incident sparked mixed reactions online, with some people supporting Mason while others criticized her professionalism. Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented, suggesting jet lag might have been a factor and expressing his support for the reporter.
