Olympics broadcaster drops commentator after ‘outrageous’ sexist remark

An Olympics broadcaster has dropped one of its commentators after a sexist remark made during commentary of the swimming competition in Paris.

Eurosport has removed veteran commentator Bob Ballard from its roster “with immediate effect” after the comment made during Saturday night’s coverage.

The comment came after Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris won gold for Australia in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.

Ballard was heard saying on the broadcast: “Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their makeup.”

British swimmer Lizzie Simmonds, who was alongside Ballard on commentary, labelled the comment “outrageous”.

The clip was shared on social media and drew heavy criticism before Eurosport made the decision to drop Ballard on Sunday.

A statement from the broadcaster said: “During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment.

“To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”

Ballard, a veteran of a number of Olympic Games and high-profile sporting events, later insisted he never intended “to upset or belittle anyone”.

In a statement posted on X, he said: “The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence.

“It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport.

“I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics.”

The gold was a fourth consecutive title in the event for Australia with McKeon winning a national record sixth Olympic gold in the process.

(Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)