Swiss Olympic Commentator Stirs Controversy After Questioning Israeli Bobsled Captain, US Ambassador Mike Hackabee Blasts As ‘Bigotry’

Swiss commentator Stefan Renna questioned Israeli bobsled Captain A.J. Edelman during the two-man competition this week, creating a controversy over the role of politics in sports.

Renna brought up some of the comments Edelman made in the past during his run with teammate Menachem Chen.

Renna was referring to when Edelman called himself a “Zionist to the core.” Renna also stated that, allegedly, Edelman is in full support of the “genocide in Gaza.” Edelman described Israel’s military activity as “the morally most just war in history,” Renna said during the broadcast.

Renna brought up another incident when Edelman allegedly mocked a “free Palestine” slogan that was painted on a wall during a World Cup stage event.

Renna questioned why Edelman was allowed to compete in the event, following the reported disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. Heraskevych was banned from competing for wearing a helmet that honored Ukrainians killed in the war with Russia.

The Israeli team finished in last place in the event.

Edelman was quick to defend himself and his country, saying, “I am aware of the diatribe the commentator directed towards the Israeli Bobsled Team on the Swiss Olympics broadcast today.”

“Beyond disgusting that the Jew-hating Swiss ‘sportscaster’ spewed bigotry & bile at Israel Olympic Bobsled team & its captain AJ Edelman as they competed,” U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee wrote.

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Article by Sam Lanier