Olympics commentator axed over sexist comment about swimmers live on air

It has been widely condemned

Eurosport announced Ballard’s removal from the commentary line-up after a clip of his comments went viral.

Ballard, a long-time BBC reporter and presenter, has not commented publicly on the incident.

During the 4x100m freestyle relay in Paris, as Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon, Meg Harris, and Shayna Jack were leaving the pool deck after their victory, Ballard remarked they were “finishing up,” adding, “You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their makeup.”

His co-commentator, British swimming champion Lizzie Simmonds, immediately called the remark “outrageous,” which prompted laughter from Ballard.

This marks the fourth consecutive Olympics where the Australian team has claimed the gold medal in the event, having just beaten the US and China.

On Sunday, Eurosport 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.”

Ballard has been a prominent figure in global sports coverage since the 1980s, commentating on multiple Olympic games and World Championships, as well as an array of sports including water polo, ice hockey, and wheelchair tennis, but is best known for his coverage of swimming and diving.

Swimming Australia has yet to comment.