A Swiss commentator faced backlash for remarks on an Israeli bobsledder’s alleged support of military actions in Gaza during a Winter Olympics broadcast.
On February 16, Adam Edelman participated in the two-man bobsled heats at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics when Stefan Renna, a commentator, made contentious comments about him.
The clip, aired by Radio Télévision Suisse, was removed after gaining viral attention for being deemed unfit for a sports broadcast.
During the broadcast, Renna stated: “We remind you that ‘genocide’ is a term used by the UN commission of inquiry on the region. Edelman, who notably said of the Israeli military intervention that it was, again, I quote, ‘the most morally just war in history’.”
These comments persisted for most of the Israeli bobsled run and appeared to be premeditated.
Following the viral spread of the commentary, Edelman responded in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I can’t help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of 6 proud Israelis who’ve made it to the Olympic stage,” Edelman wrote.
“No coach with us. No big program. Just a dream, grit, and unyielding pride in who we represent. Working together towards an incredible goal and crushing it. Because that’s what Israelis do.
“I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give any credence to the commentary.
“We look forward to our final 2man run and then crushing the 4man event, our specialty.”
IOC spokesperson, Mark Adams, addressed the matter during a press conference in Italy.
I am aware of the diatribe the commentator directed towards the Israeli Bobsled Team on the Swiss Olympics broadcast today.
I can't help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of 6 proud Israelis who've made it to the Olympic stage. No coach with us. No big program.… https://t.co/D7xAhhVAL0— AJ Edelman, OLY (@realajedelman) February 16, 2026
“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,” Adams stated.
“But in terms of specific comments by a commentator on one specific broadcast, I think that’s a matter to refer to the broadcaster. So that’s not a question for us at this stage.”
Radio Télévision Suisse released a statement acknowledging the comments were unsuitable for a sports setting.
A network spokesperson informed Deadline: “Our journalist wanted to question the IOC’s policy regarding the athlete’s statements. However, such information, while factual, is inappropriate for sports commentary due to its length. Therefore, we removed the segment from our website last night.”