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A Swiss television channel has removed its coverage of a two-person bobsleigh event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics from its website after a commentator drew criticism by calling an Israeli athlete a “Zionist” and questioning his participation in the Games.
Swiss Radio Television issued a statement following comments by commentator Stefan Renna about Israeli Adam Edelman, broadcast on Monday during the two-person series.
Israelis Adam Edelman, left, and Menachem Chen, right, arrive at the finish 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 policy of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) regarding the statements made by the athlete concerned,” RTS said in a statement. to Reuters. “However, while factual, such information may appear inappropriate due to its length in the context of sports commentary. For this reason, we removed this segment from our website last night.”
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According to Reuters, Renna claimed that Edelman was a “self-proclaimed Zionist” who had posted several messages on social media in support of the “genocide” in Gaza. Renna mentioned the United Nations in clarifying his use of the word “genocide.”
“We can therefore question his presence in Cortina during these Games,” he continued, citing IOC rules prohibiting any political declaration.
Renna’s comment about Edelman lasted the duration of his race with teammate Chen Menachem.
Israelis Adam Edelman, left, and Menachem Chen celebrate 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)
The Israeli embassy in Switzerland condemned the show and Renna on social media for what it called a “serious breach of professional responsibility.” He also demanded an apology and disciplinary action for Renna.
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“We are deeply appalled by the blatant abuse of a live Olympic broadcast by a Swiss RTS journalist who exploited coverage of the bobsleigh competition to advance a personal political agenda, fabricating facts and spreading 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 spread of false information. The allegations made during the live broadcast were factually incorrect, misleading and inconsistent 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.”
US-born Edelman took to social media to respond to what he called the “rant” directed at Israeli athletes.
Israel’s Adam Edelman, left, slides down the track during a two-man bobsleigh practice session at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
“I am aware of the commentator’s rant today about the Israeli bobsleigh team during the Swiss Olympics,” he wrote in a post on
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“I don’t think it’s possible to witness it and give any credence to the comment.”
He said in another post Tuesday that it was “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.”
