The French network "Eurosport" decided to dismiss a sports commentator due to an "inappropriate" comment that involved gender discrimination made after the Australian women's team won gold in the relay event on Saturday, at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In a video that circulated on social media, British commentator Bob Ballard said, after the Australian swimmers won gold in the women's 4 × 100 meter freestyle relay: "Well, the women just finished the race. You know women... they dawdle and put on their makeup." His colleague Lizzie Simonds responded, "That's disgraceful, Bob. Some men do that too."
Eurosport stated in a press release after relieving the commentator of his duties: "During a segment of our coverage, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate remark. As a result, he has been removed from our commentator roster with immediate effect." Social media users expressed their outrage over the comment, deeming it sexist, while others argued that his remark did not warrant losing his job with the French sports network, which had hired him for the Olympics due to his four decades of experience covering major sporting events. The Australian women's team also set a new Olympic record by finishing the race in 3:28.92, in addition to winning the gold medal.
