Olympic commentator sacked following sexist remark about Australian swimmers
BBC Sport's Bob Ballard removed from role after comment during women's 4x100m final on Sunday
Ballard has since apologised, saying he made a "silly and unacceptable" remark
A veteran sports commentator has been sacked from his Olympics role after making a sexist remark about Australian female swimmers following their gold medal win in the women's 4x100m relay.
Bob Ballard, who was working for Eurosport, was dropped by the company on Monday after he made a comment that was widely condemned as sexist.
During the race, Ballard said: "The Aussies have got some swimmers who look like blokes. I don't know what's happened to the Aussie women, but they've got bodies like men."
His comments were met with immediate backlash, with many people calling for him to be fired.
Ballard has since apologised, saying he made a "silly and unacceptable" remark.
"I am deeply sorry for the offence I have caused," he said.
"I have been a commentator for many years and I have never made a comment like this before. I am very disappointed in myself."
Eurosport said it had taken the decision to terminate Ballard's contract with immediate effect.
"We deeply regret the offence caused by Bob Ballard's comments," a spokesperson said.
"We have taken the decision to terminate his contract with immediate effect."
The incident has sparked a wider debate about sexism in sport.
Many people have argued that Ballard's comments were a symptom of a wider problem of sexism in the sports media.
Others have said that Ballard's comments were simply a reflection of his personal views and that he should not be sacked for expressing them.
The debate is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks.
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