Olympics commentator axed over sexist remark
A veteran sports commentator has been sacked from his role after a sexist remark he made about Australian female swimmers following their Olympic gold medal win.
After the Australian women’s team were making their way out of the stadium, Bob Ballard said they were “finishing up”, adding “you know what women are like…hanging around, doing their make up”.
The clip quickly went viral and broadcaster EuroSport later said he had been removed from the commentary line-up.
Ballard has yet to comment publicly on his remarks.
Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon, Meg Harris and Shayna Jack won gold at the women’s 4×100 meter freestyle relay on Saturday.
They were making their way out of the Paris Aquatic Centre when Mr Ballard made his comments.
His co-commentator and British swimming champion Lizzie Simmonds had immediately branded his remark “outrageous” – prompting laughter from Ballard – and the clip later went viral on social media.
On Sunday, Eurosport said Ballard – previously a long-time BBC reporter and presenter – would not return to their air waves.
“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
“To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”.
Mr Ballard has been a stalwart of global sports coverage since the 1980s, reporting on multiple Olympic games and World Championships.
He has commentated an array of sports including water polo, ice hockey and wheelchair tennis, but is best known for his coverage of swimming and diving.
Swimming Australia has been approached for comment.
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