Olympics commentator Bob Ballard faced severe backlash from Eurosport, the European pay-TV company, after making sexist remarks about the Australian women’s swim team following their gold medal win in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay at the Paris Aquatic Centre.
After the Saturday 4×100 meter freestyle relay concluded, where Team Australia clinched the gold medal, Ballard remarked on the team’s perceived delay in leaving the Paris Aquatic Centre while celebrating.
“Well, the women just finishing off. You know what women are like hanging around, doing their makeup,” Ballard said.
Lizzie Simmonds, the ex-Olympian and his Eurosport co-host, quickly countered his remarks.
“Outrageous, Bob,” Simmons said, as Ballard laughed. “Some of the men are doing that as well.”
A Eurosport spokesperson verified Ballard’s removal due to his comments.
“We can confirm that Bob Ballard has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect,” according to CNN.
Ballard, an experienced commentator since the mid-’80s, has covered multiple Olympic games and also serves as a music and news presenter for BBC Local Radio.
Following the backlash received, in a statement posted Monday on social media, Ballard apologized for his remarks.
He wrote, “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,” he added.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
When she’s not writing, Olekanma enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new cultures.