Maybe a better approach (and possibly something she's tried already) is to speak with organisers and see if there is a different way to handle media appearances

Maybe a better approach (and possibly something she's tried already) is to speak with organisers and see if there is a different way to handle media appearances? Otherwise paying the small (for her) fine now is a loophole that they'll close soon enough. I do tend to agree that media interest is something that brings money to sport and is part of the job of a professional athlete. It's interesting to think though that in most sports you cannot compete and test yourself against the world's best without fulfilling media obligations. The commercial media side of the Olympics would be just as strong. That said, I personally can't stand watching sports interviews and immediately switch off.