Sports broadcaster axes renowned commentator from Paris Olympics over ‘outrageous’ remark
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In an era when inclusivity and equality are at the forefront of global conversations, it's disheartening to witness instances of disregarded values.
This was the case with Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard, whose career took a sudden turn following a sexist remark made during the Paris Olympics.
Bob Ballard, a seasoned sports commentator with a career spanning over three decades, found himself in hot water during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As Australia's 4x100m freestyle relay team basked in the glory of their gold medal victory, Ballard's attempt at humour fell flat.
He commented, 'Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like…hanging around, doing their make-up.’
The backlash was immediate. Co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds didn't hesitate to label the remark as 'outrageous’, and the public outcry was swift.
Eurosport responded by removing Ballard from their commentary roster.
‘During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,’ a statement read from The Independent.
‘To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.’
Although Ballard hasn't commented on being removed from the coverage, he posted on social media to wish EuroSport’s Laura Winter good luck for the night session.
‘Have a great one,’ Ballard wrote.
Ballard's comment came at a particularly poignant time.
The Paris Olympics were celebrated as 'The Equal Games', marking the first Olympic Games in history with a 50/50 split between male and female athletes competing.
‘We are happy and proud to celebrate this historic milestone,’ IOC Corporate and Sustainable Development Director Marie Sallois said.
The incident overshadowed what should have been a joyous occasion for Australian fans and the relay team of Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon, and Meg Harris.
Their victory, which marked the fourth consecutive Olympics in which Australia won the event, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Have you ever witnessed or experienced something similar? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
This was the case with Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard, whose career took a sudden turn following a sexist remark made during the Paris Olympics.
Bob Ballard, a seasoned sports commentator with a career spanning over three decades, found himself in hot water during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As Australia's 4x100m freestyle relay team basked in the glory of their gold medal victory, Ballard's attempt at humour fell flat.
Eurosport removed Bob Ballard from the Paris Olympics 2024 coverage over his sexist remark. Credit: @bobballarsport / Twitter and 7News
He commented, 'Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like…hanging around, doing their make-up.’
The backlash was immediate. Co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds didn't hesitate to label the remark as 'outrageous’, and the public outcry was swift.
Eurosport responded by removing Ballard from their commentary roster.
‘During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,’ a statement read from The Independent.
‘To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.’
Although Ballard hasn't commented on being removed from the coverage, he posted on social media to wish EuroSport’s Laura Winter good luck for the night session.
‘Have a great one,’ Ballard wrote.
Ballard's comment came at a particularly poignant time.
The Paris Olympics were celebrated as 'The Equal Games', marking the first Olympic Games in history with a 50/50 split between male and female athletes competing.
‘We are happy and proud to celebrate this historic milestone,’ IOC Corporate and Sustainable Development Director Marie Sallois said.
The incident overshadowed what should have been a joyous occasion for Australian fans and the relay team of Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon, and Meg Harris.
Their victory, which marked the fourth consecutive Olympics in which Australia won the event, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
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