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 the organization’s positive relationship with the American administration.
JD Vance, leading the US delegation, faced boos from the crowd as the US team entered the San Siro stadium in Italy, overshadowing the initial cheers for the athletes.
In response to inquiries about the incident, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams expressed satisfaction with the engagement of the US administration in the Games, especially with the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. He praised the audience’s support for the US team and emphasized the significance of fair play in sports events.
Regarding the perception of the US administration by Italians, Andrea Varnier, chief executive of Milano-Cortina 2026, focused on the enthusiastic cheers for the US team during the ceremony, avoiding further commentary on Italian perspectives.
The IOC urged all spectators to show respect towards athletes from all countries, discouraging booing incidents such as the ones directed at Israeli athletes. Adams stressed the importance of supporting athletes regardless of political affiliations, underscoring the Olympic Movement’s values of unity and fair competition.
Vance arrived in Milan ahead of the Games, where he interacted with American athletes and attended the US women’s ice hockey match against Czechia. He also held discussions with IOC president Kirsty Coventry, which were reported to have been successful and well-received by both parties.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games are scheduled from February 6-22, offering over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video. Fans can access comprehensive Olympic coverage through the £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription, including TNT Sports 2 for continuous coverage of the Games.