Olympics commentator Bob Ballard apologises after being axed over sexist remark

Bob Ballard was commenting the Olympics swimming competition on Saturday, 27 July 2024 when he made a remark that did not go down well with spectators, and especially his co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds.

Bob Ballard's remark was described as 'outrageous'

Bob Ballard had been a sports commentator and broadcaster for the BBC since the 1980s. He has been a commentator for several Olympic games, but his focus has always been on swimming and diving. On Saturday, 27 July 2024, the Australian female swim team won their fourth Olympic gold medal in a row. While they were celebrating together at the Paris Aquatic Center, waving to fans and hugging each other, veteran sports commentator Bob Ballard made a comment which has been labelled as 'sexist'. He said:

Well, the women (are) just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.

The clip quickly went viral, causing widespread outrage, including among other sports commentators. Indeed, Bob Ballard's co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds was heard calling his remark 'outrageous', prompting laughter from the presenter. An Internet user even claimed Bob Ballard's remark was 'setting women's sports back'.

Almost immediately, broadcaster Eurosport announced the commentator was axed from presenting the Olympics, and he was replaced by Laura Winter, another sports presenter, to whom he wished the best of luck.

Bob Ballard told her to 'have a good one' while commentating the Paris Olympics. In a post on his X account, the presenter apologised, saying it was not his 'intention to upset or belittle anyone'. The commentator addressed the Olympics fans, and explained he would miss his job very much. Bob Ballard wrote:

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. No further comment will be issued. Thank you.

He was immediately axed by Eurosport

Following Eurosport's announcement that Bob Ballard was removed from his Olympics role, effective immediately, netizens are divided on whether or not it was necessary.

Many Internet users took to X to defend the commentator. Indeed, some argue it was a joke, and other more 'serious' comments have gone by unnoticed. The decision has been described as 'hypocritical'.

Several people have made a comparison between Bob Ballard's punishment and athlete Steven Van de Velde, who was convicted of raping a 12-year-old British child but still allowed to compete in the Olympics. Many people have admitted his joke was of bad taste, but that it was not meant to be disrespectful.

However, some Internet users who have come to Bob Ballard's rescue.

Eurosport explained their decision in an official statement:

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.

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Sources used:

New York Post: Bob Ballard speaks out after being pulled from Eurosport’s Olympics coverage over sexist comment about women’s swim team

Mirror: Olympics commentator Bob Ballard sends four-word message after Paris axe confirmed

BBC: Olympics commentator axed over sexist remark