Eurosport commentator banned from Olympics after outrageous sexist comments

Removed from the commentary box

Commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from the Eurosport's commentary team after his 'inappropriate comments' while narrating the women's swimming.

Sexist comment

The commentator created controversy after he made sexist comments about the Australian women's 4x100 relay team following their gold medal victory.

Picture - X @bobballardsport

Dominating the pool

The team, featuring Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon, and Meg Harris, dominated their rivals, beating their nearest opponent, Team USA, by more than a second.

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"Doing their make-up"

According to The Mirror, because of how late the Australian team left the venue, Ballard said: "Well, the women (are) just finishing up. You know what women are like. Hanging around, doing their make-up."

Later sacked

Ballard was later removed from his commentary position by Eurosport following the comments after some fiery repercussions online. He took to X to apologise.

Picture - X @bobballardsport

"I apologise"

Ballard 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 sports."

Picture - X @bobballardsport

"No further comment"

"I shall miss the Eurosport team, dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics. No further comment will be issued. Thank you."

Lizzie Simmonds

Former swimmer and Ballard's co-commentator, Lizzie Simmonds, was heard calling his words "outrageous" directly after his comment.

Eurosport statement

The Daily Mail reports Eurosport released a statement confirming that an "inappropriate comment" was made by Ballard. They added: "To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect."

'Equal Games'

The embarrassing remark comes at a time when Paris organisers have promoted these Olympics as the 'Equal Games,' with the IOC celebrating that 50% of the participants are women.

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