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Olympics broadcaster fired after sexist ‘makeup’ remark at swimming

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It was a quicker-than-expected Olympic Games for broadcaster Bob Ballard.

The former BBC reporter made waves during his on-air commentary for Eurosport at the swimming competition Saturday after the Australian women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team won the gold medal.

The team members were making their way off the pool deck when, according to a BBC report, Ballard said the women swimmers were ‘finishing up’ and ‘you know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.’

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No official word about what the Australian swimmers thought of Ballard’s remark, but Eurosport, Ballard’s employer, has made its sentiments clear.

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‘During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,’ the television network said in a statement. ‘To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.’

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