Swiss Olympic commentator targets Israeli athlete with repeated ‘genocide’ claims
RTS removes broadcast clip after commentator Stefan Renna questions Israeli bobsledder AJ Edelman’s right to compete
A Swiss television commentator is facing mounting criticism after using live Winter Olympics coverage to accuse Israeli bobsledder Adam Edelman of “supporting genocide” and to question whether he should be allowed to compete at the Games.
Stefan Renna, a commentator for Switzerland’s French-language public broadcaster RTS, made the remarks during Edelman’s bobsleigh run at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Monday, departing from sports commentary to deliver a political monologue about Israel and the war in Gaza.
Speaking in French, Renna described Edelman as “a self-defined Zionist to the core” and claimed the athlete had posted messages on social media “in support of genocide in Gaza”. He also asserted that “genocide is the term used by the UN” to describe Israel’s military campaign – a claim Israel has strongly rejected.
Renna went on to cite comments previously made by Endelman, including his description of Israel’s military response as “the most morally just war in history”, and alleged that the athlete had mocked a “Free Palestine” slogan seen on a wall in Lillehammer during a Bobsleigh World Cup event.
No evidence has been produced to substantiate the allegation that Edelman supported genocide.
During the broadcast, Renna also raised the question of whether Edelman should have been barred from the Games, referring to International Olympic Committee (IOC) eligibility rules.
“When this member of the Israeli team is present here in Cortina, who was engaged in an operation by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip in 2023, this raises the question of his presence in Cortina during these Games,” he said.
Renna cited IOC guidance stating that athletes who “actively supported the war” through military engagement or public statements were not eligible to compete. However, the policy he referenced was issued in 2023 in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was used to justify the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
In that decision, the IOC said: “Athletes who actively support the war cannot compete. Support personnel who actively support the war cannot be entered.”
The IOC has since distanced itself from the commentary. Spokesperson Mark Adams said: “In terms of specific comments by a commentator, that is a matter you have to refer to the broadcaster.”
RTS confirmed on Tuesday that it had removed the clip from its website, acknowledging the broadcast was inappropriate.
“Our journalist wanted to question the IOC’s policy regarding the athletes statements,” the broadcaster said in a statement. “However, such information, while factual is inappropriate for sports commentary due to its length. Therefore, we removed the segment from our website last night.”
Edelman, who is captaining Israel’s first-ever Olympic bobsleigh team – nicknamed Shul Runnings – responded on X after the incident.
“I am aware of the diatribe the commentator directed towards the Israeli Bobsled Team on the Swiss Olympics broadcast,” he wrote.
“I can’t help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of six proud Israelis who’ve made it to the Olympic stage. No coach with us. No big programme. Just a dream, grit, and unyielding pride in who we represent.”
He added: “I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give any credence to the commentary.”
The incident has prompted wider backlash, including condemnation from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who described the commentary as “beyond disgusting.”
Jewish News contacted RTS to ask whether any internal review is underway and whether Renna is expected to face disciplinary action. No response had been received at the time of publication.
Edelman is due to compete again late this week, including the four-man bobsleigh event beginning on Saturday.
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