Eurosport has taken swift action by removing commentator Bob Ballard from their Paris Olympics coverage following an "inappropriate" comment made during the broadcast.

The controversy erupted after Eurosport aired the women's 4x100 relay on Saturday, where the Australian team clinched gold. As the victorious swimmers exited the Paris Aquatic Centre, Ballard let slip a sexist remark that did not go unnoticed.

"Well, the women (are) just finishing up. You know what women are like... hanging around, doing their make-up," Ballard remarked, sparking immediate backlash across social media. Eurosport responded promptly with a statement condemning the incident.

"During a segment of Eurosport's coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment," the statement confirmed. "To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect."

Ballard was sharing commentary duties with Lizzie Simmonds at the time, who rebuked his comment as "outrageous". Meanwhile, viewers expressed their dismay online, with one stating, "Bob Ballard hang your head in shame and get off the broadcast and back to the 1930s," Another decried the remarks as "shameful," questioning, "When will these people ever learn? Why aren't they being given some training? ", reports the Mirror.

"Eurosport please sack Bob Ballard from commentating any more at the Olympics 2024," was the response from another irate viewer. "His comments re Aus 4x100 female swim relay team totally disgusting in today's world. He needs to publicly apologise! ! ! ".

Australia's women's swimming team took gold, beating their competition by over a second in the event. Silver went to the United States team, and China claimed the bronze medal.

Great Britain fielded a dynamic quartet in the final as well, albeit without a place on the podium. Anna Hopkin, Eva Oparo, Lucy Hope and Freya Anderson were robust contenders, finishing seventh, just behind host country France.

With Australia's stunning victory, McKeon outdid Olympic hero Ian Thorpe's hitherto all-time record of five gold medals. Commenting on this remarkable achievement, she modestly told Nine: "Wow. I don't keep track of that kind of stuff ... it's an honour really,".

Being a part of the formidable 4x100m relay team, however, was something to be equally savoured, she confessed. "To be part of this (4x100m relay team), it's extremely hard and this is a team of six with Bronte (Campbell) and Liv (Olivia Wunsch, heat swimmers) - we couldn't do it without this group of six. Everyone wants to be part of this team. I feel really honoured to be part of it."

Relaunching into unflinchingly dedicated training after a challenging few years hadn't been easy, the champion admitted. "It's definitely been a rough couple of years, especially this year. I definitely had my doubts. I just really wanted to be part of this team tonight."