Swiss broadcaster RTS removed commentary from its website Monday questioning the participation of Israeli bobsledder Adam Edelman in the Winter Olympics, citing concerns over its length and appropriateness within a sports broadcast. The commentary, aired during a two-man bobsleigh run featuring Edelman and teammate Chen Menachem, focused on Edelman’s social media activity and alleged support for Israeli military actions in Gaza.
RTS stated that the commentator, Stefan Renna, had raised questions about Edelman’s adherence to International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules regarding political statements and connections to military conflicts. According to the broadcaster, Renna cited Edelman’s self-identification as a Zionist, posts expressing support for the Israeli military’s actions, and a reported incident where Edelman allegedly mocked a “Free Palestine” inscription. “One can therefore question his presence in Cortina during these Games,” Renna said, referencing IOC guidelines.
The IOC responded to the controversy Tuesday by stating that inquiries regarding commentary should be directed to the broadcasting networks. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation similarly deferred questions to the IOC.
Edelman, who was born in the United States, acknowledged being aware of the commentary, describing it as a “diatribe” on social media. Following their third run Tuesday night, Edelman emphasized the team’s performance despite the criticism. “There could have been no greater contrast than between the commentary and what the team had achieved on the track,” he told Reuters. “We’re victors, not victims. We just moved forward and we crushed it today, and we’re looking forward to the four-man for the rest of the week.” He added that any disapproval of his expressions of support for Israel was a matter for others to resolve.
IOC rules regarding athletes’ involvement in conflicts primarily address the situation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, who are competing as neutrals following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Renna, who has been prohibited by RTS from further discussing the commentary, had also referenced the disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for wearing a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed in the conflict.
Edelman and Menachem finished last in the 26-sled field. Edelman stated that the team’s participation itself was a success, regardless of their placement or the surrounding controversy. “The Israeli bobsled team is going to live on. We were here,” he said. “No one’s going to remember the times, no one’s going to remember the placement… and no one’s going to remember what happened yesterday.”