An Olympic commentator has been disqualified after making a controversial comment about the Australian women's swimming team.
Bob Ballard, a commentator for the Warner Bros Discovery-owned Eurosport channel, was commentating on swimming on the second day of the Olympics when he said: “Well, the women have just finished swimming, you know how women are. They're hanging around, you know, putting on their make-up.”
“That's awful, Bob. Do some guys do the same thing?” replied a colleague of mine, believed to be his commentator and former Olympic champion Lizzie Simmonds, to which Ballard laughed in response.
Ballard was speaking as the Australian team claimed gold medals after winning the women's 4x100m relay.
The 15-second video quickly went viral on social media, leading to Ballard being dropped by the broadcaster. A Eurosport spokesperson said: diverse“We can confirm that Bob Ballard has been removed from our commentary list effective immediately.”
Ballard is a longtime journalist and commentator, and according to his website, he also commentates on diving, ice hockey, basketball and wheelchair tennis. His website states, “I provide insightful and engaging commentary that keeps the audience enthralled.” He also works as a DJ and lectures on journalism.
Commenting on the X controversy, Ballard wrote: “The comments I made during Australia’s freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday caused some offence. It was never my intention to offend or belittle anyone and if I did, I apologise. I am a huge supporter of women’s sport. I will miss the Eurosport team terribly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympic Games. I will be making no further comment. Thank you.”
