Olympics commentator breaks silence after being axed for sexist remark

Bob Ballard has released a statement

This comment came during the women's 4x100m freestyle relay swimming final, in which the Australian quartet of Mollie O'Callaghan, Meg Harris, Shayna Jack and Emma McKeon won the games.

And after the quarter had left the pool, Ballard remarked: "The women just finishing off... you know what women are like, hanging around, doing their makeup."

Co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds, who competed previously for Team GB at London 2012, replied: "Outrageous Bob, some of the men are doing that as well."

Ballard replied: "Doing their makeup? Yeah, okay." Both commentators afterwards laughed.

Following this, Eurosport then announced Ballard had been removed with 'immediate effect'.

In a statement, they 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."

Since then, Ballard has released a statement on his official X account:

"The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence.

"It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women's sport.

"I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly, and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics. No further comment will be issued. Thank you."