Rio Olympics 2016: Laura Trott fans outraged by Chris Boardman’s ‘what’s for tea?’ comment made after her historic gold medal success

Aug 17, 2016

CHRIS BOARDMAN has sparked outrage for a ‘sexist’ comment regarding Laura Trott.

Trott, 24, and fiancee Jason Kenny, 28, were overcome with emotion after winning gold in the women’s omnium and men’s keirin respectively on Tuesday.

Chris Boardman said Jason Kenny was just thinking about whats for tea? while looking at his Olympic hero fiancee — BBC commentator Chris Boardman said Jason Kenny was just thinking about ‘whats for tea?’ while looking at his Olympic record-holder fiancee

Jason Kenny and Laura Trott passionately kiss after their double Rio joy

Laura Trott and Jason Kenny wrote themselves into the history books with wins on Tuesday — Laura Trott and Jason Kenny wrote themselves into the history books on Tuesday

BBC commentator Chris Boardman was slammed for his 'sexist' comment after the race

Just to clarify, "what's for tea?" is often I question asks me! It's nothing to do with gender!!

— Chris Boardman (@Chris_Boardman) August 16, 2016

Boardman, 47, commentating for the BBC, said: "She's [Trott] doing all the emotion for him - he's [Kenny] looking at her wondering what's for tea!"

The 1992 Olympic cycling champion has since defended his remark online, Tweeting: "Just to clarify, "what's for tea?" is often I question asks me! It's nothing to do with gender!!"

Fans were left in disbelief by the comments, though, and slammed Boardman for 'ruining an amazing victory'.

Horrific commentary "He's looking at her thinking - what's for tea?" #keirin @BBCSport what a way to ruin an amazing victory #facepalm

— Bob Fletcher (@bobbyman) August 16, 2016

GB's top female Olympian "has the emotion for the both of them & all he's thinking is what's for tea"... Are you kidding me @Chris_Boardman?

— Jassel Majevadia (@jazzmajevadia) August 16, 2016

Seriously, did Chris Boardman actually just make that awful sexist joke?! #Rio2016 #trackcycling

— Laura (@Laura_B_R) August 16, 2016

'He's looking at her thinking 'what's for tea'' - Chris Boardman. Seriously. #cyclingtrack pic.twitter.com/wrtGFljcJn

— Matt (@MDurrantTweets) August 16, 2016

Commentary on Jason Kenny's win ruined by casual sexism: "She's doing the emotion for both of them while he wonders what's for tea." #BBC

— Bridget Aherne (@BridgetAherne) August 16, 2016

The commentator just said of a male gold medalist looking at their ALSO GOLD MEDALIST gf "he's looking at her thinking what's for tea"
Wow!

— Kate Gilson (@kategilson) August 16, 2016

What a shame the usually gr8 @Chris_Boardman belittled himself & (record breaking) @LauraTrott31 w/a sexist jibe abt making dinner #Rio2016

— Alice Klein (@alicerklein) August 16, 2016

Sexist Comment by Chris Boardman on @BBCSport seriously!

— #hellomynameismel (@melinebt) August 16, 2016

To quote Chris Boardman... Jason Kenny is asking Laura Trott "what's for tea?" Really Chris?!?!? #sexist #Rio2016 #Olympics

— Niketta (@keytes_p) August 16, 2016

Jason Kenny! But did Chris Boardman just say 'and he's looking at Laura Trott and asking what's for tea'?! #Rio2016 #everydaysexism

— Laura Padoan (@Laura_Padoan) August 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/honestoblog/status/765672463745290240

@Chris_Boardman bit sexist. She could have looked at him and said "what's for tea?" Remember you're setting an example.

— Rachel Eager (@QuotableRachel) August 16, 2016

Clare Balding, the face of BBC's coverage of Rio 2016, has leapt to the defence of her colleague.

The decorated journalist, 45, posted a picture of her and Boardman, captioned: "#whatsfortea @Chris_Boardman it's your turn" complete with a wink face.

#whatsfortea @Chris_Boardman it's your turn pic.twitter.com/AOa1Q7YEig

— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) August 17, 2016

Just to make it clear, Chris is a feminist, and so is @salihughes. We are all on the same side. Let's all be nice to one another.x

— Sally Boardman (@Sally_Boardman) August 16, 2016

Chris' wife Sally also stood by her man, writing: "Just to make it clear, Chris is a feminist, and so is @salihughes. We are all on the same side. Let's all be nice to one another.x"

Some viewers were not convinced the comment was anything untoward.

If you're offended by @Chris_Boardman #whatsfortea comment it's probably best you don't talk to people, or go outside into the world #growup

— Peter Sturt (@pete7_5) August 16, 2016

FYI, Chris Boardman has always been a great supporter of women's cycling. He clarified his tea comment and I believe him. Stand down Twitter

— Lesley Pinder (@Skipinder) August 16, 2016

I 100% say that @Chris_Boardman chose 'what's for tea' as an example of monotony to illustrate Kenny's down-to-earth nature. #topcommentator

— Kathryn Williams (@KathW80) August 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/evz76/status/765676417568964608

Trott's outstanding victory last night - her second gold of Rio 2016 - makes her the first woman in British history to win four Olympic gold medals.

The Essex-born cyclist was misty-eyed after the race and gushed: "To be able to repeat my success in London, I can't even explain what I am going through. I'm so, so happy.

The Olympic couple were over the moon after storming to gold in the cycling

Laura Trott wins the women's omnium to make British history

The Essex-born cyclist runs to hug family and friends in the crowd after her victory — The Essex-born cyclist runs to hug family and friends in the crowd after the win

Other-half Kenny equalled Sir Chris Hoy's British record of six Olympic golds after winning the keirin.

He, too, was thrilled with his achievement and said: ""I'm proud to be part of the team's Olympic success and doing my bit.

"It is pretty mental [matching Sir Chris Hoy]. I was there in Beijing and knew he was special and as the years have gone by I appreciated how amazing he was then.