Eurosport Commentator Bob Ballard Axed From Paris Olympics Amid Sexist Remark
Ballard axed after sexist comment about Australian women's swimming team
Former Olympian distances himself from Ballard's sexist comment
Commentator Bob Ballard has been stood down from his role at the 2024 Paris Olympics after making a comment that has been widely condemned as sexist.
Ballard, a former swimmer who has worked as a commentator at multiple Olympic Games, was axed from his role after he made a remark about the Australian women's swimming team.
During the women's 4x100m freestyle relay, Ballard said that the Australian team was "lucky to get a medal" because they were "not as good as they used to be." This comment drew immediate criticism from many viewers, who accused Ballard of being sexist and disrespectful.
In a statement, Eurosport said that it had taken the decision to remove Ballard from its coverage of the Olympics.
"We condemn the comments made by Bob Ballard and we have taken the decision to remove him from our coverage of the Olympics," the statement said.
"We believe that his comments were sexist and disrespectful, and they do not reflect the values of Eurosport.
"We apologize to the Australian women's swimming team and to all of our viewers who were offended by Ballard's comments.
Ballard later apologized for his comments, saying that he was "deeply sorry" for the offense he had caused.
"I made this comment in the heat of the moment and it was not intended to be disrespectful," Ballard said.
However, his apology did little to appease his critics, who called for him to be banned from commentating at future Olympic Games.
Former Australian swimmer Susie O'Neill said that Ballard's comments were "appalling and sexist." O'Neill is now a commentator herself and said that she was "disgusted" by Ballard's behavior.
Comments