The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has responded to the negative reception of US vice-president JD Vance during the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, emphasizing the importance of fair play and appreciating the collaboration with the American government.
Vance, who led the US delegation, faced boos from the crowd as the US team entered the San Siro stadium in Italy, overshadowing the cheers for the athletes.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams addressed the incident during a press conference, highlighting the positive engagement of the US administration with the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. He emphasized the significance of a strong relationship with the US government for the Olympic movement.
Andrea Varnier, chief executive of Milano-Cortina 2026, refrained from commenting on Italian perceptions of the US administration, focusing on the enthusiastic reception of the US team at the stadium.
The IOC stressed the importance of respectful behavior from all spectators, especially towards Israeli athletes, stating that sportsmanship should prevail regardless of athletes’ backgrounds or nationalities.
Vance arrived in Milan before the Opening Ceremony to meet American competitors and attend the US women’s ice hockey match against Czechia. He also held discussions with IOC president Kirsty Coventry, which were reportedly positive and well-received.
The Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026 are ongoing from February 6-22, with fans able to watch over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video. The discovery+ Entertainment subscription provides access to TNT Sports 2 for continuous Olympic coverage.
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