Overview
- During Israel’s two-man bobsleigh run, RTS commentator Stefan Renna cited Adam Edelman’s past social media posts, invoked a UN commission’s genocide terminology, and compared IOC standards applied to Russian athletes to question Edelman’s eligibility.
- RTS took down the segment from its website, stated the remarks were factual but too long for a sports call, and prohibited Renna from discussing the commentary further.
- Edelman dismissed the broadcast as a “diatribe,” defended his team’s presence under the “Shul Runnings” banner, and said they would continue competing, including in the four-man event.
- The Israeli Embassy in Switzerland condemned the broadcast, demanded an apology and action against the journalist, and the IOC said such matters are for the broadcaster to address.
- Israel’s sled placed 26th in the two-man event, and Renna’s remarks also referenced the recent disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych over a helmet ruling.