Axed Eurosport commentator apologises for sexist comment about Aussie swimmers

A commentator, whose sexist comment about four Aussie swimming champions was labelled as “outrageous”, has issued an apology.

Veteran sports commentator Bob Ballard has apologised for his sexist remark about female Australian swimmers after he was sacked from Eurosport’s Olympic coverage for his comment.

On Monday evening, Ballard took to social media to apologise for the on-air remark, which he said was never intended to “upset or belittle” anyone.

After Australian swimming champions Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon, Meg Harris and Shayna Jack took out gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay, Ballard suggested their delay in leaving the venue was because they were “doing their make-up”.

Axed commentator Bob Ballard (bottom left) alongside fellow Eurosport commentators. Picture: Supplied

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

Ballard’s comment was quickly criticised, with fellow commentator and former Olympic swimmer Lizzie Simmonds immediately branding the remark as “outrageous”.

Ballard issued a public apology after he was pulled from all Olympic coverage by Eurosport.

“The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence,” he said.

“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.”

Australia’s Emma McKeon, Meg Harris, Shayna Jack and Mollie O’Callaghan celebrate after bringing home gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Picture: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP

Ballard said he would miss the Eurosport team “dearly” and wished them luck for the rest of the Games after Eurosport pulled the pin on his time in Paris.

“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” Eurosport said in a statement.

“To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”

Ballard has since pleaded with the public not to “pile in on” his now former colleague Simmonds after she rebuked his comments.