US Vice President JD Vance says the Olympic Games are a rare event that unites all Americans, as he visits Team USA ahead of the Winter Games opening.
US Vice President JD Vance told American athletes that the Olympic Games are one of the few events that unites the entire country.
He visited Team USA members at a welcome centre in a Milan airport hotel on Thursday, ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
“The whole country, Democrat, Republican, independent, we’re all rooting for you, and we’re cheering for you,” Vance said.
He added, “I hope you win as many medals as possible.”
Vance arrived in Milan with his wife, Usha Vance, and their three young children.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present and will attend Friday’s opening ceremony at the San Siro stadium.
During the visit, Vance revealed he had taken up skiing a few years ago.
He said his wife was not typically a big sports fan but “every two years, she makes us obsessively watch the Olympics”.
Vance was scheduled to attend a welcome dinner for heads of state and government with the International Olympic Committee president.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier were among the roughly 30 dignitaries expected at the dinner.
