John Inverdale, for example ...

[Wuldric]

Women get judged by how they look rather than by how they perform. This comment by John Inverdale has me seething. How is it even remotely acceptable in this day and age?

If you follow The Everday Sexism Project on Twitter or Facebook, have a look at their timeline. They have a compilation picture of twitter comments made about Marion Bartoli. I'll see if I can link. It seems that women are just objects for men's attraction.

But yes Inverdale is a nincompoop. And has form for this.

Just nearly started the exact same thread- it makes me feel so sad that in this day and age that this woman's achievement is belittled because the focus is on what she looks like. It's pathetic- I hope the bbc are seen to be taking appropriate action it seems that some sports broadcasters have real issues with successful females in sport- I'm still sickened by Richard keys and andy grey

Here is a link to the twitter pic

That's so awful scallops

They also have Bartoli's response to Inverdale

Asked about Inverdale's comments, Bartoli said: "It doesn't matter, honestly. Am not blonde, yes. That is a fact. Have I dreamt of having a model contract? No. I'm sorry.

But have I dreamt about winning Wimbledon? Absolutely, yes."

Was looking to start this thread also... just fucking speechless. Again.

What a response though :) that pisses all over his comments love it

Am I missing something here? She looks perfectly normal and presentable to me! And is clearly an incredible sportswoman.

I have complained to the BBC. Why should my licence fee be used to promote sexism?

Totally Kveta. What just gave me the second rush of breathlessness is the supposed BBC apology.

A BBC spokesperson said: "We accept that this remark was insensitive and for that we apologise."

Insensitive?? WTF, go to fucking specsavers people!!

Bartoli is obviously in top form just achievement her life goal. Can you say the same about yourself John Inverdale?

achieved (not achievement obviously)

I have to admit to cringing when he said all this and then he made things worse with every subsequent sentence. Why he couldn't just focus on her obvious skill and the many years of hard work that have gone into her achievement I have no idea.

I was upset about this too. I had a go at one of DH's friends last year because he said female cyclists have tree-trunk legs. I argued that they do not, they are toned and healthy and more to the point it isn't a fecking beauty parade. He is like many men (not my DH!) who is into the Kournikova type, submissive, girlie, get your kit off for FHM types. Female athletes all have different body shapes like normal people, but what matters is what they do, not how they look. It is always ugly men that make such comments, which makes it all the more annoying.

John Inverdale is an idiot of the highest order with a wind tunnel for a brain.

I can't believe that a presenter on the BBC can get away with making a comment like this.

I think the Beeb FULL of ostensibly right-on people who actually seethe with gender resentment and hatred, it's because they've had to be very pro-active about positive discrimination and equal rights and deep down inside the men hate it. Just my theory!

It's the venom behind those twitter comments that gets me. What has this woman actually done to inspire such hatred? And if you really don't like the woman, why do negative comments have to be so sexually aggressive? It genuinely worries me.

John Inverdale has been basically saying this for days. I often listen to Wimbledon in the car on Five Live. I said to my DH a few days ago that he is having a go at Bartolli's appearance every chance he can get. Have just listened online to 4 July coverage -3 days ago! bbc.in/19DKr4T at 7m27 "you don't have to be 6 foot with a blond pony tail to get to the top"

FFS yes hair colour and style have no impact apart from on how John Inverdale rates their looks

The tweets are just scary. But it is BBC statement, the John Inverdate later comments that get me.

A BBC spokesperson said: "We accept that this remark was insensitive and for that we apologise."

Inverdale later said he had poked fun "in a nice way at how she looks".

He added: "She is an incredible role model for people who aren't born with all the attributes of natural athletes".

He is a professional sports commentator. BBC is supposedly the best. So so sad.

And please, give me Mr Funny, Smart and Handsome to comment on big sport events. Even on the radio.

Well she clearly is a "natural athlete" unless somehow he's implying she is unnatural.