A veteran sports commentator has been dismissed from his role at the Olympics after making a sexist comment about Australian female swimmers following their gold medal victory.
Bob Ballard, who was providing commentary during the 4x100m freestyle relay, said as the team was leaving the pool deck in Paris, “you know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make up,” adding they were “finishing up.”
His comment quickly went viral, leading Eurosport to announce his removal from the commentary team.
Ballard, who has not yet publicly addressed his remarks, was heard making the comment as the Australian team—comprised of Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon, Meg Harris, and Shayna Jack—celebrated their gold medal win over the US and China.
His co-commentator, British swimming champion Lizzie Simmonds, immediately condemned the remark as “outrageous,” which elicited laughter from Ballard.
Eurosport issued a statement on Sunday confirming that Ballard, a long-time BBC reporter and presenter, would not return to their coverage.
“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” the broadcaster stated.
“To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”
Ballard, who has been a prominent figure in global sports coverage since the 1980s, has reported on various sports including water polo, ice hockey, and wheelchair tennis, though he is most recognized for his work in swimming and diving.
Swimming Australia has been contacted for a response to the incident.
Source-BBC
