Clare Balding has confessed to being responsible for her brother Andrew's "worst injury" and has now issued a public apology. The 54-year-old sports presenter, known for covering the Olympics, Grand National, and Wimbledon, shared the revelation while discussing "life lessons" she has learned over the years.
Childhood Accident Revealed
Speaking to Yours magazine, Balding recounted the incident that occurred when they were children. "I have to confess that I was responsible for my brother's worst injury," she said. "We were climbing on bales in the barn, and there was a rope hanging from the roof. I thought it would be fun to pretend to be Tarzan and swing on the rope. I managed it successfully, but Andrew let go of the rope and fell to the ground, breaking his leg."
Balding added that she likely did not apologise enough at the time, so she took the opportunity to say sorry now. Her brother Andrew also followed their father Ian Balding into horse racing, becoming a trainer himself.
Serena Williams Interview
The apology comes amid reports that Balding deliberately avoided asking tennis legend Serena Williams about her opponent during a recent interview. Williams, 44, has announced her return to professional tennis at the HSBC Championships in London this summer. The LTA confirmed the news, stating: "23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams today announced her return to professional tennis, with her comeback to the sport to take place this summer at the HSBC Championships in London."
During the interview, Balding said: "And I am not going to ask you anything about your opponent, because..." Williams replied: "You remember that." Balding responded: "I remember that. It's all about you, and it's going to be great."
Wimbledon Commentary Criticism
Balding has also faced criticism for her Wimbledon commentary this year, with some viewers branding her too "dramatic" on social media. One viewer complained: "If Clare Balding says 'my word!' one more time, my foot is going through the screen. Literally every single time she pops up, she says it at least once. It's just so… limited."
Another added: "Sorry, but Clare Balding is not right for Wimbledon commentary. Annabelle Croft would be better. Clare Balding is just far too dramatic. Sue Barker is missed so much. Great personality, personal knowledge and history and a lovely mellow voice." However, not all feedback was negative. One supporter wrote: "How do people not like Clare Balding, she's nice!" Another said: "Bliss when Clare Balding took over!"
Balding continues to present Wimbledon 2026 coverage tonight (July 1) on BBC Two from 7pm to 8pm.
