Swiss commentator’s anti-Israel rant erupts at Winter Olympics
Swiss sports commentator Stefan Renna launched a violent attack against the Israeli bobsleigh team and its captain, AJ (Adam) Edelman, during the RTS broadcast of Monday’s two-person competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
As Edelman and his teammate, Menachem Chen, began their race, Renna highlighted Edelman’s past statements, describing him as a first-time Olympic athlete who called himself a “Zionist at heart.” Renna alleged that Edelman posted messages on social media in support of what he called “genocide in Gaza,” adding that the term “genocide” was used by a UN commission of inquiry. He further cited Edelman who had described Israel’s military intervention as “the most morally just war in history.”
Renna also referenced an incident in which Edelman allegedly mocked a “Free Palestine” slogan painted on a wall during a World Cup event. Additionally, he cited a message in which Edelman asked his supporters to send forces to an Israeli team member engaged in an Israeli army operation in 2023.
During the show, Renna questioned how Edelman was allowed to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, noting that the International Olympic Committee said athletes who publicly supported the war would not be allowed to participate. He drew a comparison to Russian athletes who were suspended for expressing support for their country’s war against Ukraine.
Renna further questioned Edelman’s participation in light of the reported disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was banned from competing after wearing a helmet honoring his compatriots killed in the war with Russia.
Edelman and Chen ultimately finished in last place in Monday’s two-man race.
In response to the broadcast, Edelman issued a categorical statement rejecting Renna’s remarks and defending his team’s presence at the Games. He called the comment a “rant” and highlighted the circumstances under which the Israeli team reached the Olympic stage.
“I am aware of the commentator’s rant against the Israeli bobsleigh team at the Swiss Olympics today.
“I can’t help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of 6 proud Israelis who reached the Olympic stage. No coach with us. No big program. Just a dream, courage and unwavering pride in who we represent. Working together towards an incredible goal and crushing it. Because that’s what Israelis do.
“I don’t think it’s possible to witness it and give any credence to the comment.
“We are looking forward to our last 2-man race and then crushing the 4-man event, our specialty.”
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also weighed in, writing: “It is beyond disgusting that the Jewish-hating Swiss ‘jock’ spewed intolerance and bile at the Israeli Olympic bobsleigh team and its captain AJ Edelman while they were competing.” »
The Israeli team, competing under the name “Shul Runnings”, marked a historic appearance for the country in Olympic bobsleigh. Edelman previously represented Israel in skeleton and played a central role in efforts to establish a sliding sports infrastructure for Israeli athletes. Despite limited resources and without the support of a large national program, the team qualified for the 2026 Games and is expected to compete in further events later in the week.
