Olympic commentator Bob Ballard addressed the media on Monday after being removed from Eurosport’s coverage of the Summer Games following a comment about the Australian women’s swimming team.
Ballard shared a two-part message on his X account as the Paris Games unfolded.
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From left to right, Australian swimmers Emma Mckeon, Meg Harris, Shayna Jack, and Mollie O’Callaghan celebrate after winning the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle final at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
“The remarks I made during the ceremony for the Australian freestyle relay’s victory on Saturday have understandably upset some,” Ballard acknowledged in his message. “It was never my aim to offend or demean anyone, and I sincerely apologize if that was the case. I am a strong supporter of women’s sports.
“I will greatly miss the team at Eurosport and wish them all success for the remainder of the Olympics,” he continued. “I won’t be making any additional comments. Thank you.”
Ballard emphasized that Lizzie Simmonds should not be subjected to backlash for her reaction to his comments.
His statement regarding the Australian team during their 4×100-meter freestyle win on Saturday was the source of contention.
From left to right, Australians Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma Mckeon, and Meg Harris proudly display their gold medals on the podium after winning the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay final at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
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“Well, the women are wrapping up. You know how women are … lingering around, doing their makeup,” Ballard remarked, as reported by the New York Post.
Simmonds characterized Ballard’s comment as “outrageous.”
As a result, Eurosport terminated Ballard’s role in their Olympic coverage.
“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate remark,” stated the company, according to The Independent. “Consequently, he has been removed from our commentary lineup effective immediately.”
Ballard has been a familiar face in Olympic coverage for many years and has also worked as a freelance broadcaster for the BBC.
The Australian relay team, consisting of Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O’Callaghan, and Meg Harris, secured the gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay event, surpassing the United States and China. They achieved an Olympic record with a time of 3:28.92.
From left to right, Australians Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma Mckeon, and Meg Harris celebrate on the podium after winning the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay final at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
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The United States’ team consisted of Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh, Torri Huske, and Simone Manuel, while China’s team included Yang Junxuan, Cheng Yujie, Zhang Yufei, and Wu Qingfeng.
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