Is the commentary box turning into a courtroom?
“Quite remarkable. And the crowd are loving every moment of this. One‑nil.”
For anyone of a certain age, that instantly calls to mind TV’s David Coleman, the voice of British sport for decades.
Such was his stature that Olympic medallists used to say their triumph didn’t feel ‘proper’ unless Coleman had called it.
He was the gold standard. A trained journalist, a master wordsmith, and a man with an unshakeable belief that the job of a commentator was simple.
Explain what’s happening, add context when it helps, and never make yourself the story.
You can only wonder what he would make of today’s gantry guides.
Take Steffan Renna, the Winter Olympics commentator for Swiss broadcaster RTS.
During the bobsleigh event, he chose not to describe what was happening but instead delivered a scripted political broadside at the precise moment Israeli athlete Adam Edelman (above) began his Olympic run.
Here is what he said live on air:
“Adam Edelman, first‑time Olympian and self‑defined Zionist to the core who has posted several messages on social networks in support of genocide in Gaza.”
He then informed his viewers, incorrectly as it happens, that the UN had defined the war in Gaza as genocide, before reading out Edelman’s pro‑Israeli social media posts and asking whether the athlete should have been kicked out of the Games before they’d begun.
This wasn’t a criticism of government. It was a direct accusation of genocide against an individual athlete competing in a major sporting event.
What’s the difference in outrage between that and the allegation of racial abuse of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, during their Champions League match against Benfica?
Edelman responded on X: “Shul Running is a team of six proud Israelis. No coach, no big programme. Just a dream, grit, and unyielding pride in who we represent. I don’t think it’s possible to witness that and give any credence to the commentary.”
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. Remember BBC host Graham Norton openly joking during the Eurovision Song Contest that he was personally glad Israel didn’t win.
Whatever your geopolitical views, it’s hard to imagine such commentary being directed at any other nation.
And keep an eye on Russia. The IOC still bans the country as a team, but individual Russian athletes can compete freely as “neutral” entrants.
No commentator is holding them personally responsible for the invasion of Ukraine or the tens of thousands of deaths that are still taking place.
In fact, there are already rumours that Russia may return under its own flag for LA 2028.
On Thursday, Russian figure skater Adeliia Petrosian could well stand atop the winners’ podium. How will the organisers handle that? What will Mr Renna have to say?
Incidentally, RTS has since removed his commentary clip from their website, explaining:
“Our journalist wanted to question the IOC’s policy regarding the athletes’ statements. However, such information, while factual, is inappropriate for sports commentary due to its length.”
His words, however, are already out there. And the damage is done.
David Coleman believed the commentator’s role was to illuminate sport, not overshadow it. What he would make of this era of invective as commentary, we can only imagine.