The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a response to the negative reception towards US vice-president JD Vance at the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, emphasizing the importance of fair play and highlighting the positive relationship with the American administration.
During the ceremony, Vance, who led the US delegation, faced boos from the crowd as the US team entered the San Siro stadium in Italy, creating a tense moment.
In a press conference the following day, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams expressed satisfaction with the strong engagement of the US administration with the Games, especially looking ahead to the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. He commended the audience for cheering the US team, emphasizing the significance of fair play in sports events.
Andrea Varnier, the chief executive of Milano-Cortina 2026, avoided commenting on Italian perceptions of the US administration, focusing instead on the enthusiastic reception that the US team received upon entering the stadium.
The IOC also emphasized the importance of respectful behavior from spectators, addressing incidents where Israeli athletes were booed. Adams stressed the need for sportsmanlike conduct towards all athletes regardless of their background or nationality.
JD Vance arrived in Milan before the Games commenced, meeting with American athletes and attending the US women’s ice hockey match against Czechia. He also engaged in discussions with IOC president Kirsty Coventry before the Opening Ceremony.
Adams shared positive feedback on the meeting between Vance and Coventry, highlighting their productive discussions and the administration’s enthusiasm for the Games.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games are set to run from February 6-22, offering fans over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video. Viewers can access 24/7 Olympic coverage through the £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription during the Games.