Olympics Coverage Marred by Sexism: Commentator Removed for Remarks on Women Swimmers

Olympics commentator Bob Ballard was removed from Eurosport on Monday after making sexist remarks about the Australian women’s swim team.

During the post-race celebrations of the 4x100 meter freestyle relay, where Team Australia won gold, Ballard made a disparaging comment about the team's delay in leaving the venue. He remarked, “Well, the women just finishing off. You know what women are like, hanging around, doing their makeup.”

Lizzie Simmonds, a former Olympian and Ballard’s co-host, immediately criticized his comment, saying, “Outrageous, Bob.” She pointed out that men also engage in similar behavior.

A representative from Eurosport, which broadcasts the Olympics in Europe and is affiliated with CNN, confirmed that Ballard was removed from their commentary team due to his comments.

Ballard, who has been a sportscaster since the mid-1980s and also works as a music and news presenter for BBC Local Radio, apologized on social media for his remarks. He stated, “The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony 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 expressed his regret for leaving the Eurosport team and wished them well for the rest of the Olympics.