The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has responded to the negative reception of US vice-president JD Vance at the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, emphasizing the importance of fair play and highlighting its positive relationship with the American government.
During the entrance of the US team at San Siro, cheers for the athletes quickly turned into boos, creating an awkward moment in Italy.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams addressed the incident, expressing pleasure in the engagement of the US administration with the Games and looking forward to the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. He stressed the significance of fair play and the support shown to the US team by the audience.
Regarding Italian perceptions of the US administration, Andrea Varnier, chief executive of Milano-Cortina 2026, refrained from commenting further and focused on the overwhelming cheers that welcomed the US team.
The IOC also called for respectful behavior from spectators, particularly mentioning the booing directed at Israeli athletes. Adams emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and supporting athletes regardless of their background or nationality.
Vance arrived in Milan before the Games, meeting with American competitors and attending the US women’s ice hockey match against Czechia. He also had discussions with IOC president Kirsty Coventry, which were reported to have gone very well.
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