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An apartment being used by members of the Israeli bobsled team was allegedly robbed while they were practicing
AJ Edelman, the driver for the team, said that in addition to passports, the stolen items included suitcases, shoes and sporting equipment
The 2026 Olympic Games mark the first time that Israel is competing in the bobsled competition
Valuable items owned by members of the Israeli bobsled team were allegedly stolen from their apartment while they were practicing ahead of the2026 Milan Winter Olympics.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, AJ Edelman, the driver for the Israeli bobsled team, revealed in a post onXthat "thousands of dollars of stuff and passports were stolen" from the residence.
"What a season..." the former Olympic skeleton athlete wrote, alongside a photo of investigators searching the apartment.
Edelman revealed that in addition to passports, the stolen items included suitcases, shoes and sporting equipment, but the team headed back to training soon after.
"I have to say, the @israelbobsled team is just such a fine example of how we push forward in difficult circumstances," he said.
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The team was training in the Czech Republic ahead of the competition in Italy, and the incident is being investigated by local authorities, according to theNew York Post.
Edelman told theAssociated Pressthat he was in Italy, not at the site of the robbery, when he announced the incident.
The Olympic Committee of Israel did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
The 2026 Olympic Games mark the first time that Israel is competing in the bobsled competition, according to the AP.
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The team qualified for the games after Britain decided not to take one of its two allocated spots for Milan Cortina, per the outlet. Israel was next in line and accepted the offer to compete when the last Olympic slots opened.
The team is set to compete in the two- and four-man events, with Edelman driving both sleds. He will compete with teammates Menachem Chen, Ward Fawarseh and Omer Katz.
Israel's participation in the Olympics comes amid backlash and boycotts to Israel's presence in international sports, following thewar in Gazaand the death of more than 71,800 Palestinians, according to the AP.
The Milan Cortina Olympics kicked off with anopening ceremonyon Friday, Feb. 6, at San Siro Stadium.
Mariah Careyand Andrea Bocelli performed at the event, which also featured appearances from Italian actress and singer Matilda De Angelis, singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, model Vittoria Ceretti andWhite LotusstarSabrina Impacciatore, among many others.
The opening ceremony wrapped up with a surprise speech fromCharlize Theron, who appeared in her official capacity as a peace ambassador for the United Nations.
The South African-born actress, 50,delivered a messageinspired byNelson Mandela, beginning her remarks with: "Athletes, spectators from every corner of the world, this is a message of peace by my beloved countryman Nelson Mandela."
"...Let these Games be more than just sport. Let them be a reminder of our common humanity, our respect for one another, and a resounding call for peace everywhere," she added.
To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come topeople.comto check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock.
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