'Well, the women are…': Sexist comment against Australian swimmers lands veteran commentator in trouble
Bob Ballard
A commentator was removed from his duties after he made a sexist remark during a swim relay on Saturday. Eurosport broadcaster Bob Ballard passed the comment after Australia’s women's team won gold at the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. “Well, the women are just finishing up. You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their makeup," he was heard saying. The video clip soon went viral and Eurosport swiftly removed Ballard from commentator duties. He wasn't part of the team when the swimming event resumed on Sunday.
Eurosport took the matter seriously and immediately took action. Issuing a statement in the matter, it said, “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.”
Right after Ballard made the statement, his co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds lashed out at him, calling the remark “outrageous”. Ballard hasn't publicly said anything on the matter yet. Notably, he has been working in the field for over four decades and has covered swimming, diving and water polo.
Social media users also slammed Ballard for his sexist comment.
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Australia at the Olympics
Meanwhile, Australia is going through a terrific run at the Olympics, with Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris notching the country's fourth consecutive gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay event. The women took 3 minutes and 28.92 seconds to finish first.
For McKeon, it was her sixth gold medal and she is now the country’s most decorated Olympian ever. McKeon wrote on Instagram, “History with these incredible women. I will always cherish these moments. Proud to be Australian. Thank you all.”
The United States was a close second and took home the silver medal, finishing in a national record time of 3 minutes and 30.20 seconds. China was third with a time of 3 minutes and 30.30 seconds.
