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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from his duties at the Paris Olympics following a sexist remark about Australia's female relay team.
• Eurosport swiftly acted upon the incident, and Ballard was stood down after the inappropriate comment went viral.
• Despite his significant experience in sports commentary, including multiple Olympic games, Ballard's comment overshadowed Australia's victory in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
• The Paris 2024 Olympics marks a historic milestone with a 50/50 split in male and female athletes competing, celebrating it as 'The Equal Games'.

Have you ever witnessed or experienced something similar? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

I just watched Australia get gold and silver in the swimming. Congratulations to both girls

 

[UNIT1000]

hooray go you good things wonder full

 

[Kman]

Karmas a bitch.

 

[Marilynne]

When I heard this guy saying those words, I thought he was talking about women in general, not necessary the Aussie girls

 

[Veggiepatch]

What a bunch of fragile, sensitive twits at Eurosport!

Would the same action be taken against a female commentator for the following comment, for example.

'Well, the men just finishing up. You know what men are like…hanging around, down the pub.’

Gender equality full of inequality.

 

[Julie1946]

Honestly, are we becoming so precious that a simple statement like this is offensive, crikey most women sometimes run late because we need to fix our makeup, it’s a standard joke.. surely there are other things we can become offended by, but for this commentator to lose his job over this is ludicrous… starting to believe the world has gone mad

 

[Oaklegs]

Sorry but I think it was just a little bit too harsh in my opinion and she should have scrolled on, may have been more to it than we were told.

 

[Moira]

Honestly, are we becoming so precious that a simple statement like this is offensive, crikey most women sometimes run late because we need to fix our makeup, it’s a standard joke.. surely there are other things we can become offended by, but for this commentator to lose his job over this is ludicrous… starting to believe the world has gone mad

EXACTLY!! how is that comment offensive? I can think of many female TV commentators on many occasions joking about a buffed male and suggesting he takes it shirt off so they can feel his muscles etc. Also you can make a mockery of the Christian Religion and we have to accept it , Speak of any other religion and its a CRIME

 

[Veggiepatch]

EXACTLY!! how is that comment offensive? I can think of many female TV commentators on many occasions joking about a buffed male and suggesting he takes it shirt off so they can feel his muscles etc. Also you can make a mockery of the Christian Religion and we have to accept it , Speak of any other religion and its a CRIME

1000%!!!!

 

[Jethrotull]

Sadly, life has become a serious, no fun, abstract world!
What happened to the Aussie sense of humour? Lose your job over a light hearted comment about women!
OMG!! If referring to women putting on makeup, is out of bounds, then don’t speak a word, guys.. lighten up, world!

 

[mylittletibbies]

Well I wouldn't take offence at that, I'm always running late doing my makeup, hair, nails, etc.
It was just a joke, can't believe people are so thin skinned.
I remember, when I was just a child, my mother telling me if you can't learn to laugh at yourself then you're going to have a pretty miserable life.
I've always remembered that.

 

[Lizzylou]

I thought it was something majorly offensive wow, that seems like a huge over reaction, did Lizzie Simmonds not like this guy so thought that is a good way to get rid of him by complaining about a silly comment sure his bosses should have said that wasn't a good comment to make, apologise and don't do it again and just move on. There have been many double standards at these Olympic games already, that just shows yet another one.

 

[Phillip McIntyre]

The poor commentator being sacked for making a comment that could be heard in most homes or on most street corners on any day of the week. I fail to see how losing a sense of humour can benefit any section of the community, especially women.

 

[mOiOz]

1000%!!!!

As a woman, I'm proud of taking the time to "put on my make-up" etc. How is this offensive?

 

[Ebby]

What a bunch of fragile, sensitive twits at Eurosport!

Would the same action be taken against a female commentator for the following comment, for example.

'Well, the men just finishing up. You know what men are like…hanging around, down the pub.’

Gender equality full of inequality.

 

[Phantom55]

its getting stupid now...I cant see what is wrong with his remark,. Soon one wont be able to speak with women, a bit over sensitive,HEY women, here s a newsflash ...you are different, you are not men and never will be (take that up with god) you ARE different and its nice (although its starting to get nasty,) it will get worse,

 

[Ebby]

For the poor bloke to loose his job is ridiculous just a reply with equal sarcasm would suffice

 

[Phantom55]

As a woman, I'm proud of taking the time to "put on my make-up" etc. How is this offensive?

its not offensive it is very womanly ...and we love it, we think its cute But just shows how a remark can be offensive to the person hearing it, when it wasn't intended that way...women are being trained to see offence In everything...heres one, I stopped to offer assistance to a lady who had a flat tyre, she said "im quite capable thank you I can manage ok"... another time I tried to tell a woman she left her handbag on the roof of her car...she abused me....so I drove off laughing...stupid applies to both sexes

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

Whether it's appropriate or not, funny or not...does it justify being sacked from the roster?

Forget the decades of doing the right thing, receiving rewards and accolades, one bad joke and you're out? What an overreaction in our ever-increasingly sensitive, woke society.

Surely an apology should have been sufficient, or a wrap over the knuckles.

Besides, ita pretty standard joke...and accurate. Believe me, I know

Mountain out of a molehill stuff.