Olympics commentator Bob Ballard has issued a statement following his dismissal by Eurosport due to an inappropriate remark made during the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay final, where the Australian team claimed victory.
After the Australian quartet of Mollie O’Callaghan, Meg Harris, Shayna Jack, and Emma McKeon exited the pool, Ballard commented, “The women just finishing off… you know what women are like, hanging around, doing their makeup.” Co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds, a former Team GB competitor at the London 2012 Olympics, immediately challenged him, saying, “Outrageous Bob, some of the men are doing that as well.” Ballard responded, “Doing their makeup? Yeah, okay,” and both commentators laughed at the exchange.
Subsequently, Eurosport announced that Ballard had been removed from their commentary team “with immediate effect.” The network stated, “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.”
In response to the incident, Ballard took to his official X account to clarify his remarks: “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 apologize. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport.”
He added, “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.”
Credit: Joe Sports
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