The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has addressed the negative reception towards US vice-president JD Vance during the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, emphasizing the importance of “fair play” and highlighting its positive relationship with the American government.
Vance, leading the US delegation, faced a shift from cheers to boos from the audience as the US team entered the San Siro stadium in Italy.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, in response to the incident, expressed satisfaction with the US administration’s active involvement in the current Games and future collaboration for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. He stressed the significance of fair treatment towards all teams and athletes, emphasizing the IOC’s focus on promoting sportsmanship.
Andrea Varnier, chief executive of Milano-Cortina 2026, refrained from commenting on Italian views of the US administration, focusing instead on the overwhelmingly positive reception given to the US team during the ceremony.
The IOC urged all spectators to show respect towards athletes of all backgrounds, following inquiries about booing directed at Israeli athletes. Adams underscored the importance of supporting athletes regardless of political affiliations and emphasized the value of sportsmanship in global events like the Olympics.
JD Vance arrived in Milan ahead of the Games, engaging with American athletes and attending various events, including the US women’s ice hockey match against Czechia. He also had a productive meeting with IOC president Kirsty Coventry before the Opening Ceremony.
Adams mentioned the positive outcome of Vance’s meeting with Coventry, highlighting the strong rapport and enthusiasm shown by the American administration towards the Games.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will continue until February 22, offering fans over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video. Subscribers to the £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment plan will have access to TNT Sports 2 for continuous Olympic coverage.
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