British commentator AXED from Eurosport’s Paris Olympics coverage after sexist remark about female swimmers

A COMMENTATOR at the Olympic games has been removed from coverage after making a sexist remark about Australia’s female swimmers.

Eurosport broadcaster Bob Ballard, who has worked for the BBC in the past, made the shocking comment following the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay in Paris.

Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from the broadcaster’s coverage

Alamy

Ballard made a sexist remark about Australia’s gold medal winning swimmers[/caption]

Australia‘s team of Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O’Calloghan and Meg Harris won gold in the pool, but had their moment tainted on the commentary as they were leaving the Paris Aquatic Centre.

During their exit, Ballard said: “Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.”

The Brit has since been removed from the broadcasting team by Eurosport.

The Olympic broadcasters released a statement that read: “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.”

While Ballard’s colleague Lizzie Simmonds, who was commentating alongside him for the coverage, described his comments as “outrageous”.

Ballard himself is yet to address his comments publicly.

Ballard’s career has seen him report on various sporting events since the mid-80’s, including multiple Olympic games.

While he also spent 19 years as a freelance sport, news and music presenter for the BBC and has held university lecturing positions.

Australia’s swimming team made history with their time of 3:28.92, securing a fourth consecutive gold in this event.

The Aussies were followed up by the United States in second and China swooped Bronze.

While Team GB were lagging behind in seventh place.