Australia has secured victory in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay at the Olympics, joining Ariarne Titmus among the gold-medal achievers at the Paris Games. However, an outrageous comment from one commentator has cast a shadow over this golden achievement.
The relay squad, consisting of Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon, and Meg Harris, has successfully captured Australia’s fourth consecutive Olympic title in this event.
After Titmus’ success in the women’s 400m freestyle, the relay team set a new Olympic record, finishing in three minutes 28.92 seconds, ahead of teams from the United States and China.
This triumph positions Australia at the top of the Paris medal standings, while the men’s team won silver in their 4x100m relay, with the USA taking home gold.
As of now, Australia boasts three gold and two silver medals, leading ahead of China, which has two gold and one bronze—marking the nation’s most successful opening day at a Games.
Nonetheless, a shocking remark from one commentator has marred the celebrations for swimming enthusiasts.
Bob Ballard, who provided commentary for EuroSport, used a sexist term as the Australians celebrated while receiving their medals, appearing to imply they should leave the area for upcoming races.
‘The women just finishing up… You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.’
Australia’s Shayna Jack (face to camera) hugs Meg Harris as Emma McKeon (right) joins in the celebrations after their win clinched the country’s fourth straight Olympic title in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay
The women set an Olympic record as they led the race from start to finish early on Sunday morning, Australian time (pictured from second left: Shayna Jack, Meg Harris and Emma McKeon celebrate their victory)
O’Callaghan (left) and Meg Harris embrace after the Aussies once again reigned supreme in the pool – and put the nation into the lead in the medal tally
Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard’s remark was branded ‘outrageous’ by a colleague
This comment was deemed ‘outrageous’ by a female colleague, while swimming enthusiasts condemned him on social media.
‘You know how Bob Ballard is… sexist,’ one swimming supporter tweeted on X.
Just half an hour prior to the relay final, Titmus dominated the much-anticipated 400m freestyle event, successfully defending her Olympic title.
The Tasmanian swimmer is only the second Australian woman to retain an Olympic crown in this event.
The legendary Dawn Fraser, who observed from the audience at the Paris La Defense Arena, clinched gold in the 100m freestyle at the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Games.
‘I’m still in disbelief that it’s me,’ Titmus remarked about joining Fraser’s ranks.
In her much-anticipated final, Titmus outpaced her rivals, American icon Katie Ledecky and Canadian youngster Summer McIntosh.
At 23 years old, she led throughout the race, securing the third Olympic gold of her career following her double at the Tokyo Games.
‘I’m exhausted,’ she shared.
‘But I am relieved. Winning it for a second time feels different than the first.’
‘I understand what it takes to be an Olympic champion, and I recognize how challenging racing in these conditions at an Olympic Games can be.’
‘The atmosphere, the noise, and the pressure are unlike anything else.’
Titmus clocked in at 3:57.49 seconds, triumphing over McIntosh (3:58.37) and Ledecky (4:00.86).
Left to right: O’Callaghan, Jack, McKeon and Harris show off their gold medals – but a commentator made a shocking sexist remark as they celebrated
The relay team’s win came just after Ariarne Titmus (centre) won gold in the 400m freestyle over Summer McIntosh (left) and her great rival Katie Ledecky (right)
All three women have held the world record in this event over the past three years.
Despite the challenge from 17-year-old McIntosh, who posed the most significant threat, Titmus maintained her lead throughout the race.
As Ledecky fell behind early, McIntosh attempted to keep up with Titmus, but the final difference of 0.88 seconds illustrated the Australian’s superiority.
Titmus’ fellow Australian Jamie Perkins (4:04.96) finished in last place.
The world record holder in both the 200m and 400m freestyle, Titmus is now focused on retaining her Olympic title in the shorter distance.
Heats and semi-finals for that event will be held on Sunday, with the final scheduled for Monday.
Titmus’ victory followed fellow Australian Elijah Winnington’s silver medal finish in the men’s 400m freestyle, although teammate Sam Short, expected to perform well, ended up in fourth place.
German swimmer Lukas Maertens won the gold medal, finishing 0.43 seconds ahead of Winnington with a time of 3:41.78.
