Olympic commentator Bob Ballard breaks silence after ‘sexist’ comment about Australian female swimmers sees him swiftly removed from Eurosport coverage

Olympic commentator Bob Ballard said it was not his intention to “hurt or belittle anyone” and apologised for a “sexist” comment he made about the Australian swimmers.

Ballard, 64, lost his spot as a commentator on Eurosport last night after he said the 4x100m freestyle relay team left the pool late because they were “touching up their make-up”.

The former BBC analyst said: ‘The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay last Saturday were offensive.

‘It was never my intention to hurt or disparage anyone and if I did, I apologize. I am a huge supporter of women’s sports.

‘I will miss the Eurosport team immensely and wish them all the best for the remainder of the Olympic Games.’

Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard has been banned from the Olympic Games after his comment

Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris of Team Australia with their medals after the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay final at the Paris La Defense Arena on Saturday

Australian quartet Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O’Calloghan and Meg Harris won gold yesterday at the Aquatic Centre in Paris.

But as they walked out to collect their medals, Ballard said, “Well, the women just finished. You know how women are… hanging around, doing their makeup.”

Lizzie Simmonds, who commented alongside Ballard, called the remark “outrageous.”

The clip quickly went viral and caused outrage among some, with Eurosport quickly removing Ballard from their coverage.

“During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment,” the broadcaster said in a statement.

‘He has therefore been removed from our commentary selection with immediate effect.’

This is a breaking story. More to come.