Ex-ESPN star reveals why she felt ‘ill’ sitting next to JD Vance at Winter Olympics
Former ESPN star Sarah Spain has opened up about her unsettling experience sitting near Vice President JD Vance at the Winter Olympics. On her podcast, the journalist recalled how she felt “ill” when sitting next to the VP at a hockey game between Team USA and Switzerland, and how Secret Service agents destoryed her experience.
The event took place during the opening ceremony at San Siro earlier this month, where Vance and his spouse Usha were observed waving American flags.
Cameras recorded the incident, but the audience’s response was far from enthusiastic — Vance was greeted with boos, and CNN commentators characterized the atmosphere as a blend of jeers and applause.
One commentator remarked: “There is the vice-president JD Vance and his wife Usha – oops, those are not … uh … those are a lot of boos for him. Whistling, jeering, some applause.”
Former ESPN journalist Sarah Spain expressed that she felt “ill” while seated next to JD Vance.
Spain, who is the host of the well-known podcast Good Game With Sarah Spain, mentioned that she was positioned just 20 meters away from Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as they lingered after the ceremony to observe the US women’s hockey team compete against the Czech Republic.
During her podcast, Good Game, she recounted: “Twelve minutes into the first period, that area suddenly became filled with large men in suits with earpieces. And here comes JD Vance carrying a child and a multitude of security, followed by Marco Rubio.”
She provided a striking detail that is likely to provoke reactions: “When I see JD Vance’s eyeliner face, I literally feel ill, as if a basilisk had gazed into your eyes and death awaited you on the other side.”
“I said, ‘I feel like I just looked at a demon,’ akin to the devil, and I don’t even subscribe to that belief,” Spain continued, indicating her discomfort.
“I do not even subscribe to that belief, yet my body reacted as if it had been startled, experiencing a slight tingling sensation that conveyed, ‘ooh, something is amiss.’ That was the sensation in my body. Furthermore, I was entirely unprepared to encounter him.
“It incited a great deal of anger within me,”
The United States team triumphed with a score of 5-0 against Switzerland. Nevertheless, Sarah Spain did not witness the entire event. She expressed her frustration regarding the Secret Service agents obstructing her view.
“It incited a great deal of anger within me,” she elaborated. “Not solely because his f Secret Service obstructed half of the ice… we are attempting to enjoy a hockey game. You have ruined it.”
JD Vance represented the United States delegation at the Olympic opening ceremony last week.
He engaged with members of Team USA prior to the games, stating, “I hope you fully immerse yourselves in this experience. I wish for you to secure as many medals as possible, but above all, I hope you relish the experience. The entire nation — Democrats, Republicans, Independents — we are all supporting you, cheering for you, and we are confident that you will make us proud,” Vance remarked.
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