Bob Ballard dropped from Olympics commentary roster over sexist comment: What did he say?

Veteran British commentator Bob Ballard was removed from the Eurosport Olympic Games team on Monday 29 July after a remark he made regarding the Australian women’s swimming team.

Australia’s team of Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris won gold in the Saturday 4x100 meter freestyle relay and in the aftermath of the event, the commentator made a controversial comment that sparked a huge fan reaction online as well as in the media.

What did Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard say to get fired?

“Well, the women just finishing off. You know what women are like, hanging around, doing their makeup,” Ballard said live on television.

Ballard, who has worked in sport since the 1980s, was alongside Eurosport co-host, Lizzie Simmonds. The former Olympian reacted immediately to his words, laughing as she replied “outrageous, Bob! Some of the men are doing that as well, I’ll have you know!”

Soon after the online outrage ensued, Eurosport issued a statement, saying “We can confirm that Bob Ballard has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect”.

Bollard himself took to social media to respond, saying “the comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. 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”.