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.

 

[Pommyoz]

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

It’s what we USED TO CALL innocent banter, good grief, those who disliked it need to learn Australian country banter, it’s a dying art.

 

[getting there]

Does the punishment fit the crime - what crime? And no-one on the spot turned a hair or said a word on his behalf? We are getting woker and woker and allowed to be more and more judgemental in our woke world. Must be like walking on eggshells to be a man nowadays.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

What's the world coming to. Aren't we allowed to have a bit of fun anymore unless it's taken out of context. Lighten up, he has paid harshly for what should have been taken very lightly with a bit of a laugh.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

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,

Don't know where you can buy a pair of balls. Let me know and I will order 3 pairs

 

[I'm Mal]

He got the sack because he is a man and some self entitled misandrist snowflake woman decided to be offended. Had roles been reversed, he would have been told to lighten up, get over it, and the woman would have laughed at him.

 

[Knell]

In this case, it is Eurosport - not Australian (sense of humour)!
Co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds swam in the 2012 London Olympics for Britain.
Ballard has long been an advocate for equal treatment of LGBTQ+ community, as he is gay and has spoken out about mistreatment he received early in his sports broadcasting career. He started his career as a freelancer with BBC in 1983.
He also works as a music and news presenter for BBC Local Radio.
As a Broadcaster he probably needs to stay up-to-date and read the room (the 21st century world room) in this day and age.

 

[MaccaMan]

God help us! What a woke lot of DEI idiots! Turn the tables now before it's too late...

 

[BeautifulMousey]

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

I don't wear makeup but if I was going out there are other things I can do to waste time

 

[maxesmum]

What a bunch of precious pansies we are becoming. I was honestly stunned to hear what he said. Here was I ready to get all defensive and angry over some sexist or homophobic remark and all he said was a comment husbands have been affectionately saying for decades? Seriously? And he lost his job over it??? Good grief!

 

[Skeeta22]

What thin skinned people are we raising these days. Really??? These super sensitive people need to toughen up and get a life. Definitely an over reaction taken by Eurosport, just silly

 

[Jan Purcell]

Don't be so precious just laugh it of.

 

[erina]

I am a woman and I dont think there was anything wrong with what Bob Ballard said, people are just being ridiculous and taking political correctiveness too far,

 

[BeautifulMousey]

Get a life. Need more fun in your life. Nothing wrong in what was said, except for people with closed minds like me

 

[BeautifulMousey]

It’s what we USED TO CALL innocent banter, good grief, those who disliked it need to learn Australian country banter, it’s a dying art.

Dying. Dead already isn't it

 

[Pommyoz]

Dying. Dead already isn't it

No, not in the wider country areas, and certainly not around where I live. Sorry. It it’s still kicking.

 

[Pommyoz]

No, not in the wider country areas, and certainly not around where I live. Sorry. It it’s still kicking.

Hello beautiful mousey, hope your day is good.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

Hello beautiful mousey, hope your day is good.

Thank you. I hope you have a really great day too. Take care

 

[BeautifulMousey]

No, not in the wider country areas, and certainly not around where I live. Sorry. It it’s still kicking.

That's good