Why was Olympic commentator Bob Ballard removed from Eurosport crew for Paris Olympics? All about the allegations of 'sexist remarks' against him

By Riddhi Acharya

Modified Jul 29, 2024 15:03 GMT

Eurosport’s Paris Olympics commentator, Bob Ballard, was dropped from the television network’s roster for the Games after an alleged sexist remark from the Australian went viral. The remark caused significant uproar on social media, leading to the broadcaster parting ways with the commentator.

Ballard is an Olympian himself, having represented Australia at the 1988 Olympics in the 4x400m relay. He joined the Eurosport team for the 2024 Games and was covering the swimming events alongside fellow commentator Lizzie Simmonds when the now-viral incident occurred.

During the coverage of the women's 4x100m freestyle relay victory ceremony, Australia’s gold-medal winning women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team of Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris walked onto screen, and Bob Ballard can be heard saying:

“Well, the women are just finishing up. You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their makeup.”

Fans and critics online deemed the comment belittling and sexist, leading to Eurosport’s decision to drop Ballard from their team. An official statement from the broadcaster said:

“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.”

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Bob Ballard on being dropped from the Eurosport team

After being dropped from Eurosport's Paris Olympics team, Bob Ballard apologized on X (formerly Twitter), writing that it was never his intention to upset fans.

“The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offense. 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 that he would miss being part of the Eurosport team and would be refraining from addressing this matter further.

“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.”

Bob Ballard also defended his fellow commentator Lizzie Simmonds, who could be heard in the broadcast calling his original remark ‘outrageous’, writing:

“P.s. Don’t pile in on Lizzie Simmonds please! She has nothing to do with this.”