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A Swiss broadcaster pulled its coverage of a two-man bobsleigh event at the 2026 Cortina Olympics in Milan 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 released a statement following comments made by commentator Stefan Renna about Israel’s Adam Edelman, broadcast during the two-man heat on Monday.
Israel’s Adam Edelman, left, and Menachem Chen, right, arrive at the finish line during a two-man bobsleigh 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 (International Olympic Committee) IOC’s policy regarding the statements made by the athlete in question,” RTS said in a statement to Reuters. “However, even if factual, such information may have appeared inappropriate due to its length in the context of a 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-described Zionist” who has posted numerous messages on social media in support of the “genocide” in Gaza. Renna mentioned the UN when clarifying his use of the word “genocide”.
“One can therefore question his presence in Cortina during these Games,” he continued, referring to the IOC’s rules against making political statements.
Renna’s comment about Edelman lasted throughout his run with teammate Chen Menachem.
Israel’s Adam Edelman, left, and Menachem Chen celebrate at the end of a two-man bobsleigh race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Israel’s embassy in Switzerland took to social media to condemn the broadcast and Renna for what it called “a serious breach of professional responsibility.” It also required an apology and discipline to Renna.
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“We are deeply appalled by the blatant misuse of a live Olympic broadcast by a Swiss RTS journalist who used the coverage of the bobsleigh competition to advance a personal political agenda, fabricate facts and spread slander against Israeli athletes.
“The Olympic Games are intended to unite people through sport and fair competition, not to serve as a platform for political attacks or the dissemination of misinformation. The allegations made during the live broadcast were factually incorrect, misleading and inconsistent with the basic standards of responsible journalism.”
The embassy statement continued: “We stand firmly behind 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 “diatribe” directed at Israeli athletes.
Israel’s Adam Edelman, left, slides down the track during a two-man bobsled practice at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
“I am aware of the complaint the commentator leveled against the Israeli bobsleigh team on the Swiss Olympic broadcasts today,” he wrote in a post on X. “I can’t help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of 6 proud Israelis who have reached the Olympic stage. No one trains with us. No big program. Just a dream, grit and pride towards a goal and together we represent a pride and honor. Crushing it because it is what Israelis do.
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“I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give anyone credence to the comment.”
He said in another post on Tuesday that it is “an honor” to represent Israel at the Olympics.
“Everyone can say something about us, but you know what? They can only say that because we are here. Because Israel makes the impossible possible. Victors, never victims.”
