Commentator removed from Paris Olympics panel for this sexist remark

By AFP Web Desk
July 29, 2024

Bob Ballard commented about Australia’s swimmers after they won women’s 4x100m freestyle relay gold

Commentator Bob Ballard seen in this undated image.—swimming.org/file

Television broadcaster Eurosport on Sunday removed a commentator from its Paris Olympics coverage after he made a sexist remark during the swimming competition.

Bob Ballard made the comment about Australia’s swimmers after they won the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay gold on Saturday.

In a clip that went viral on social media, Ballard said: "Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like... hanging around, doing their make-up." Ballard’s co-commentator, Lizzie Simmonds, called the remark "outrageous."

"During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment," Eurosport said in a statement.

"To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect." There was no immediate reaction from Ballard.


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