Swiss Olympic commentator suggests Israeli bobsleigh athlete be barred over ‘support of genocide’

A Swiss Olympic commentator questioned the participation of Israeli bobsleigh athlete AJ Edelman in the 2026 Games, suggesting that he should be barred over his support for Israel’s war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

Stefan Renna, of the Swiss RTS Sport channel, said during the two-man bobsleigh team’s first appearances on the ice yesterday at the Milano Cortina Olympics that Edelman had offered “support of genocide in Gaza.” Renna, who cited the UN for his use of the word “genocide,” also called out Edelman for calling the war “the most morally just in history” and for mocking “Free Palestine” graffiti during a World Cup event last year.

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“This raises his the question of his presence in Cortina during these Games,” said Renna, pointing to International Olympic Committee guidelines that allows Russian athletes to compete only as “individual neutral athletes” and only as long as they have not expressed or participated in pro-war activity. Those guidelines do not apply to athletes from other countries. Competitors are allowed to express themselves in any way outside of Olympic sites and venues, according to IOC guidelines.

A Ukrainian skeleton athlete was barred from competition last week after he refused to back down from wearing a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed in the war against Russia.

Renna’s commentary garnered him praise online from pro-Palestinian activists, while Israel supporters called for him to be fired for his comments.

Edelman wrote on social media that he was “aware of the diatribe the commentator directed towards the Israeli Bobsled Team.” Dismissing the rhetoric, Edelman praised his team for “working together towards an incredible goal and crushing it. Because that’s what Israelis do. I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give any credence to the commentary.”

I am aware of the diatribe the commentator directed towards the Israeli Bobsled Team on the Swiss Olympics broadcast today.
I can't help but notice the contrast: Shul Runnings is a team of 6 proud Israelis who've made it to the Olympic stage. No coach with us. No big program.… https://t.co/D7xAhhVAL0

— AJ Edelman, OLY (@realajedelman) February 16, 2026

The two-man bobsleigh team, led by Edelman, will race again this evening, and the four-man team, also piloted by Edelman, will compete on Saturday and Sunday.