British sports commentator Bob Ballard will not be providing commentary for the 2024 Olympics following sexist remarks he made about the Australian women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team.
"You Know How Women Are"
According to Ziare Ballard, who is a well-known commentator for Eurosport, was suspended after making inappropriate comments on air during the event.
The controversy erupted after the Australian relay team, consisting of Mollie O'Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon, and Meg Harris, celebrated their gold medal win at the Arena Defense in Paris.
As the athletes paraded with their medals, Ballard remarked, “Well, the women have just finished. You know how women are... they sit, chat, and do their makeup.”
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Viewer Backlash
This comment quickly drew backlash from viewers and online users, who criticized Ballard for his outdated and sexist perspective. The response was swift, and Eurosport issued a statement expressing regret for the "inappropriate comment."
The network announced that Ballard would be removed from their commentary team effective immediately.
Eurosport's decision to suspend Ballard reflects a broader commitment to addressing and rectifying inappropriate behavior in sports media. This move is part of a larger effort to foster an environment where all athletes are respected and celebrated for their achievements, free from sexist or discriminatory remarks.
