Swiss Broadcaster Removes Olympic Commentary Questioning Israeli Athlete's Presence
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – Swiss broadcaster Radio Television Suisse (RTS) has removed a controversial commentary segment from its website that extensively questioned the participation of Israeli bobsleigh athlete Adam Edelman at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The commentary, aired during Monday's two-man bobsleigh event featuring Edelman and teammate Chen Menachem, focused on Edelman's alleged support for Israel's military actions in the Gaza conflict.
Commentator's Remarks and RTS Response
The commentator, Stefan Renna, asserted during the broadcast that Edelman had publicly backed Israeli military operations in Gaza. Renna suggested this might violate International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations concerning political statements by athletes at the Games. In a statement to Reuters, RTS explained that while the journalist aimed to scrutinize the IOC's policy regarding the athlete's statements, the lengthy nature of the commentary within a sports context was deemed inappropriate.
"Our journalist wished to question the IOC’s policy regarding the statements made by the athlete concerned," RTS stated. "However, although factual, such information may have appeared inappropriate due to its length within the context of a sports commentary. For this reason, we removed the segment from our website last night."
Details of the Controversial Commentary
In his commentary, Renna referenced several points about Edelman, including that the athlete identifies as a Zionist, has posted social media messages supporting what Renna termed the "genocide" in Gaza, and mocked a "Free Palestine" inscription seen during a World Cup event. Renna argued these actions could justify questioning Edelman's Olympic presence under IOC rules related to athletes' military connections and active support of war, including through social media activities.
"One can therefore question his presence in Cortina during these Games," Renna said during the broadcast.
IOC and Athlete Reactions
The International Olympic Committee responded on Tuesday, indicating that inquiries about individual commentator remarks should be directed to the broadcasters themselves. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation has not yet commented on the situation.
Adam Edelman, who the Times of Israel reports is the first Orthodox Jew to represent Israel at the Winter Olympics, addressed the commentary on social media. He described Renna's remarks as a "diatribe" and emphasized his team's pride and determination.
"(We are) a team of six proud Israelis who’ve made it to the Olympic stage. No coach with us. No big program. Just a dream, grit, and an unyielding pride in who we represent," Edelman wrote. "I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give any credence to the commentary."
Context of IOC Rules and Related Incidents
It is important to note that IOC regulations on active support of war currently apply specifically to Russian and Belarusian athletes, who are permitted to compete as neutrals despite bans on their countries following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Renna also cited the case of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified last week for wearing a helmet depicting compatriot athletes killed since the Russian invasion.
Stefan Renna has been prohibited by RTS from discussing his commentary further. Meanwhile, Edelman and Menachem were scheduled to complete their third and fourth bobsleigh runs on Tuesday, having been in last place after their initial two runs.
