Swiss Broadcaster Removes Olympic Commentary Targeting Israeli Bobsledder
Swiss broadcaster Radio Television Suisse (RTS) has pulled commentary from its website that extensively questioned the presence of Israeli bobsledder Adam Edelman at the Winter Olympics due to his alleged support for Israel's actions in the Gaza war. The commentary, aired during the two-man bobsleigh event on Monday, featured reporter Stefan Renna criticizing Edelman's social media posts and Zionist identity, suggesting they violated International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules on political statements.
Controversial Commentary and Broadcaster's Response
In the commentary, Renna claimed Edelman had posted messages supporting what he referred to as the "genocide" in Gaza and mocked a "Free Palestine" inscription. Renna argued this breached IOC regulations on athletes' military connections and active support of war, questioning Edelman's eligibility to compete. RTS stated that while the information was factual, the length of the political discussion within a sports commentary was inappropriate, leading to its removal from the website. The broadcaster has forbidden Renna from discussing the incident further.
Edelman's Reaction and Olympic Context
Adam Edelman, an American-born athlete and the first Orthodox Jew to represent Israel at the Winter Olympics, dismissed the commentary as a "diatribe." On social media, he emphasized his team's pride and determination, stating that their achievement overshadowed the criticism. The IOC clarified that questions about commentator remarks should be directed to broadcasters, while the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation has not commented. Notably, IOC rules on active war support currently apply only to Russian and Belarusian athletes competing as neutrals, not to other nations.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Competition
The incident highlights tensions between sports and politics at the Olympics, reminiscent of recent cases like Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych's disqualification for a helmet tribute. Edelman and his teammate Menachem Chen, who were in last place after their initial runs, are set to complete their final runs on Tuesday, continuing their Olympic journey amidst the controversy.
