Olympic Games commentator pulled from Paris coverage after sexist remark about female swimmers

Eurosport have confirmed commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from their Paris Olympics coverage after an ‘inappropriate’ comment during the games.

It came after Australia’s women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team, involving Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O’Calloghan and Meg Harris, secured gold.

The experienced comment was heard saying: “Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.”

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Ballard was heard making the comment during coverage of the women’s swimming. The footage spread on social media, and Eurosport have since issued a statement, the Mirror reports.

It read: “During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment. To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”

Ballard had been on commentary duty with Lizzie Simmonds. His co-commentator was heard calling his words ‘outrageous’, while some fans on social media also shared their views.

“Bob Ballard hang your head in shame and get off the broadcast and back to the 1930s,” one wrote. Another called his comments “shameful,” writing: “When will these people ever learn? Why aren’t they being given some training?”

“Eurosport please sack Bob Ballard from commentating any more at the Olympics 2024,” was the response from another. “His comments re Aust 4×100 female swim relay team totally disgusting in today’s world. He needs to publicly apologise!!!”

Australia’s women’s team claimed gold by more than a second in their event. The United States team claimed the silver medal, with China taking bronze.