The IOC has responded to the booing of US vice-president JD Vance at the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, emphasizing “fair play” and praising its partnership with the American government.
During the ceremony, Vance, leading the US delegation, faced boos from the crowd in Italy as the US team entered the San Siro stadium.
Addressing the incident, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams expressed satisfaction with the US administration’s involvement in the Games, noting the positive reception of the US team by the audience.
The IOC stressed the importance of respectful behavior towards all athletes, regardless of their nationality, following questions about booing directed at Israeli athletes.
Andrea Varnier, chief executive of Milano-Cortina 2026, refrained from commenting on Italian perceptions of the US administration, highlighting the overwhelming cheers for the US team at the stadium.
Vance met with American athletes in Milan before the Opening Ceremony, including attending a women’s ice hockey match against Czechia and engaging in discussions with IOC president Kirsty Coventry.
Adams shared positive feedback from the meeting, indicating a strong rapport between Vance and Coventry, with both expressing enthusiasm for the Games.
The Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026 will run from February 6 to 22, offering over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video.
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