The Swiss broadcaster Radio Television Suisse (RTS) has removed from its website a commentary questioning the presence of an Israeli bobsledder at the Winter Olympics, following outrage over the remarks. The commentary, aired during a two-man bobsleigh run on Monday, focused on Israeli athlete Adam Edelman and his alleged support for Israel's actions in the Gaza war.
Commentator Stefan Renna suggested that Edelman's social media posts and self-identification as a Zionist breached International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules on political statements by athletes. Renna questioned Edelman's participation in the Games, citing IOC rules on athletes' military connections and active support of war.
RTS issued a statement saying the commentary was factual but may have appeared inappropriate due to its length within a sports context. The broadcaster removed the segment from its website and forbade Renna from discussing the matter further. The IOC declined to comment on individual broadcaster remarks, and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation did not respond to requests for comment.
Edelman, described by the Times of Israel as the first Orthodox Jew to represent Israel at the Winter Olympics, responded on social media, calling the commentary a 'diatribe.' He expressed pride in his team's Olympic achievement despite lacking a coach or large program. Edelman and his teammate Chen Menachem were in last place after their first two runs.
