Israeli Bobsled Team Robbed of Passports, Gear in Italy

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — An apartment used by members of Israel's bobsled team during final preparations for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics was broken into on Saturday, with thieves stealing passports and thousands of dollars in equipment and personal items, according to team pilot AJ Edelman.

The robbery occurred while the team was training in the Italian Alps ahead of the Games, which begin next week. Edelman, who was not present at the time, detailed the incident in social media posts, listing suitcases, shoes, bobsled equipment and passports among the stolen goods. Local police have launched an investigation, though no suspects have been identified.

Despite the setback, the athletes returned to training later that day. "How we handled today is just such a fine example of how we push forward in difficult circumstances," Edelman wrote on X. He described the theft as "a gross violation" but praised his teammates for their determination, adding, "I really believe this team exemplifies the Israeli spirit." Team coach Itamar Shprinz was at the apartment during the break-in, but it remains unclear whether he directly witnessed the event.