In a striking departure from the usual celebratory atmosphere, the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina was punctuated by loud boos and jeers directed at US Vice President JD Vance. This incident, reported as the first such audible protest at an Olympic opening in over two decades, occurred as Vance and his wife were shown on the stadium's big screen while watching Team USA's parade at the San Siro stadium.
Rare Disruption at Olympic Event
As American athletes waved flags and received cheers, the focus shifted when cameras captured Vice President Vance, prompting a wave of negative reactions from sections of the audience. Veteran sports commentator Christine Brennan noted on social media platform X that in her experience covering 22 Olympics, such booing is exceptionally rare at opening ceremonies, emphasising she could not recall a similar instance. Brennan highlighted the contrast, stating the US athletes themselves were met with enthusiastic applause, while Vance faced audible disapproval.
Context of Protests and Political Tensions
The booing incident aligns with broader concerns that these Games might witness various protests, particularly regarding the participation of the United States and Israel. Notably, the Ukrainian team received some of the loudest cheers during the ceremony, underscoring the geopolitical undercurrents at play. Additionally, rumours had circulated about US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting operations in Italy during the Olympics, but Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi firmly denied this in a statement to the Chamber of Deputies. He clarified that ICE agents would only be involved in analytical and information-sharing activities, with no operational police authority on Italian soil.
Olympic Scale and Team Participation
This year's Winter Olympics feature a significant American contingent, with 232 athletes competing across 16 different sports. The event, held in Milan and Cortina, continues amid heightened political sensitivities, as illustrated by the vocal reaction to Vice President Vance's appearance. The incident serves as a reminder of how global politics can intersect with major sporting occasions, even in settings traditionally focused on athletic unity and celebration.
