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A Swiss broadcaster has pulled coverage of a two-man bobsled event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics from its website after a commentator sparked criticism by calling an Israeli athlete a “Zionist” and questioning his participation in the Games.
Radio Television Suisse issued a statement following comments by commentator Stefan Renna about Israeli Adam Edelman, broadcast during Monday’s two-man series.
Israel’s Adam Edelman, left, and Menachem Chen, right, reach the finish line during a two-man bobsled race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
“Our journalist wanted to question the policy of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) regarding the statements of the athlete in question,” RTS said in a statement. to Reuters. “However, while factual, such information may have appeared inappropriate due to its length in the context of sports commentary. For this reason, we removed the segment from our website last night.”
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According to Reuters, Renna claimed that Edelman was a “self-defined Zionist” who had posted several messages on social media in support of “genocide” in Gaza. Renna mentioned the United Nations in clarifying his use of the word “genocide.”
“Therefore, his presence in Cortina during these Games can be questioned,” he continued, citing IOC rules that prohibit making political statements.
Renna’s comment about Edelman lasted the entire duration of his career with teammate Chen Menachem.
Israel’s Adam Edelman, left, and Menachem Chen celebrate at the end of a two-man bobsled race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The Israeli embassy in Switzerland took to social media to condemn the broadcast and Renna for what it called “a serious violation of professional responsibility.” He also demanded an apology and discipline for Renna.
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“We are deeply shocked by the flagrant abuse of a live Olympic broadcast by a Swiss RTS journalist who exploited coverage of the bobsleigh competition to promote a personal political agenda, fabricating facts and spreading slander against Israeli athletes.
“The Olympic Games are intended to bring people together through sport and fair competition, not to serve as a platform for political attacks or the spread of misinformation. The allegations made during the live broadcast were factually incorrect, misleading and incompatible with fundamental standards of responsible journalism.”
The embassy statement continued: “We strongly support Team Israel and are immensely proud of our athletes, who continue to compete with dignity, determination and exemplary sportsmanship.”
Edelman, who was born in the United States, took to social media to address what he called the “rant” directed at Israeli athletes.
Israel’s Adam Edelman, left, slides down the track during a two-man bobsled training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
“I’m aware of the rant the commentator directed at the Israeli bobsled team at the Swiss Olympics broadcast today,” he wrote in a post on Israelis do.
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“I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give credence to the comment.”
He said in another post on Tuesday that it is “an honor” to represent Israel at the Olympics.
“Anyone can say anything about us, but you know what? They can only say it because we are here. Because Israel makes the impossible possible. Victors, never victims.”
