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 expressing satisfaction with their ties to the American government.
Vance, who led the US delegation, faced boos from the crowd when the US team entered the San Siro stadium in Italy, overshadowing the cheers initially heard for the athletes.
In a press conference the following day, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams highlighted the upcoming Games in Los Angeles, praising the active engagement of the US administration with the event. He emphasized the importance of a positive relationship between the Olympic movement and the government, noting the positive reception the US team received from the audience.
Andrea Varnier, the chief executive of Milano-Cortina 2026, refrained from commenting on Italian perceptions of the US administration but mentioned the overwhelming cheers for the US team’s entrance into the stadium.
The IOC also addressed the booing directed at Israeli athletes, calling for respectful behavior from all spectators. Adams stressed the importance of supporting athletes regardless of their nationality, emphasizing the Olympic Movement’s focus on athletic performance as a reflection of humanity.
Vance arrived in Milan ahead of the Games to meet American competitors and attend the US women’s ice hockey match against Czechia. He also engaged in discussions with IOC president Kirsty Coventry, which were described as positive and enthusiastic by Adams.
The Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026 will run until February 22, offering fans over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video. The discovery+ Entertainment subscription will grant access to TNT Sports 2 for continuous Olympic coverage throughout the event.