Swiss commentator’s remarks on Israeli bobsleder spark controversy
A Swiss television commentator has ignited a fierce row at the Winter Olympics after launching into an extended critique of Israeli bobsleigh pilot Adam Edelman during live coverage of the Milan-Cortina Games, reports BritPanorama.
Stefan Renna, broadcasting for Radio Television Suisse (RTS), dedicated much of his commentary during the Israeli two-man team’s second qualifying run on Monday to Edelman’s social media history rather than on the sporting action itself. He described Edelman as a “first-time Olympian and self-defined Zionist to the core,” who has made several posts in support of what Renna termed “genocide in Gaza.”
Renna referenced a United Nations Commission of Inquiry report and quoted Edelman’s prior description of the Israeli military intervention as “the most morally just war in history.” The segment quickly gained traction on social media, garnering hundreds of thousands of views overnight.
In response to the backlash, RTS removed the segment from its website while maintaining that the journalist had intended to raise questions regarding the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) policies related to athlete conduct. An RTS spokesperson acknowledged the commentary was “factual” but admitted that it was inappropriate for sports coverage due to its length.
While addressing the matter, the spokesperson stated, “Our journalist wanted to question the IOC’s policy regarding the athlete’s statements. However, such information, while factual, is inappropriate for sports commentary.” The broadcast of the two-man event was subsequently taken down overnight.
Renna also drew parallels between IOC rules applied to Russian and Belarusian competitors, who face restrictions on participation if they have openly supported military actions in Ukraine through social media or other means. In light of the commentary, Edelman criticized Renna’s remarks on X, labeling them a “diatribe” directed at the Israeli bobsled team.
“I can’t help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of six proud Israelis who’ve made it to the Olympic stage,” he wrote, underscoring the team’s determination to compete. The captain, who holds dual Israeli and American citizenship, reflected on the challenges faced by his team. “No coach with us. No big program. Just a dream, grit, and unyielding pride in who we represent,” he added.
The Israeli squad, competing under the name Shul Runnings, ultimately placed last among the 26 sleds, posting the slowest start and finish times in both heats.
American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the commentary, calling it antisemitic. He characterized Renna’s remarks as “beyond disgusting,” asserting that the commentary was rooted in prejudice against the Israeli team and its captain. The IOC refrained from addressing Renna’s specific comments outright but reiterated the Games’ intention to foster unity amid global conflicts. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams reminded everyone of the Olympic values, stating, “I would remind everyone involved, however tangentially, in the Olympic Games, of the values and the charter and the idea of us trying to bring people together despite what’s happening in the rest of the world.”
Ultimately, this incident highlights how the intersection of sport and politics remains a contentious arena, leaving athletes like Edelman navigating not just their competitive aspirations, but also the weight of their identities under the scrutiny of public discourse.
