IOC Hit Out With Strong Statement

Opening Ceremony Disruption

The International Olympic Committee responded after U.S. Vice President JD

Vance was loudly booed during the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, briefly shifting attention from sport to politics.

Context and Reaction

The ceremony, meant to celebrate unity, featured performances by Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey.

As the U.S. delegation entered, the reaction contrasted sharply with the Olympic ideal to “transcend politics,” amid recent protests in Milan over U.S. immigration policies.

IOC Response

Before the event, IOC President Kirsty Coventry urged respect so politics would not overshadow athletes.

Afterward, an IOC spokesperson stressed that athletes should “never be targeted for government actions” and

reaffirmed engagement with U.S. leadership ahead of the Los Angeles Games.

Broader Meaning

The incident highlights ongoing tension between politics and international sport.

The IOC emphasized that the Games exist to promote “respect and fairness,”

reinforcing their mission to prioritize unity and athletic excellence over political division.