Axed commentator Bob Ballard speaks out over sexist Paris Olympics remark
A commentator has spoken out after he was stood down at the Paris Olympics for a barely-believable remark towards Australia’s golden girls.
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EuroSport commentator Bob Ballard has now spoken out after he was removed from the booth at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday (AEST).
The decision to stand him down came after Ballard made a sexist remark as Australia’s 4x100m freestyle relay team collected its gold medals on Sunday.
As the Aussie squad enjoyed its moment on the dais, Ballard appeared to give them the hurry-up.
“Well the women just finishing up,” Ballard, 64, said to millions across the continent. “You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their make-up.”
Ballard attempted to laugh off the remark, but co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds immediately called it “outrageous” as the moment went viral.
EuroSport took swift action over the incident, relieving Ballard of his commentating duties on Monday morning.
“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” a statement read per The Independent.
“To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”
Ballard has now responded to the controversy, apologising for his comments.
“The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony have caused some offence,” he said in comments reported by the Daily Mail.
“It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and if I did, I apologise.
“I am a massive advocate of women’s sport.
“I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics.”
Ballard had earlier taken to X to wish EuroSport’s Laura Winter good luck ahead of the night session.
“Have a great one,” Ballard wrote.
The British commentator’s career has seen him report on various sporting events since the mid-80s, including multiple Olympic Games.
Ballard also spent 19 years as a freelance sport, news and music presenter for the BBC and has held university lecturing positions.
Ballard’s comment overshadowed what was a joyous occasion for Australian fans as the quartet of Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris received their gold medals.
The team stormed clear to touch the wall first ahead of the USA and China, winning in a time of 3:28.92.
The victory makes it the fourth consecutive Olympics in which Australia have saluted in the event.
As the Games continue, Ballard will be watching on from the sidelines with his remark coming as the IOC celebrates the Paris Olympics as “The Equal Games”.
Paris 2024 is the first Olympic Games in history with a 50/50 split in male and female athletes competing.
“We are happy and proud to celebrate this historic milestone,” IOC Corporate and Sustainable Development Director Marie Sallois said of gender parity on the field of play.
The 2024 Games got officially underway with a never-before-seen opening ceremony that celebrated diversity.
The extravagant event showcased France’s culture which featured international stars Lady Gaga and Celine Dion.
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