Why This Former ESPN Star Felt Uncomfortable Sitting by JD Vance

The Context: Winter Olympics and Political Presence
The incident occurred during the 2026 Winter Olympics in San Siro, Italy, which this year brought together athletes from across the globe for the opening ceremony and competitive events.

Among the VIP attendees were JD Vance, the sitting Vice President of the United States, and his wife, Usha Vance, who were actively participating in ceremonial duties, waving American flags, and supporting Team USA athletes.

The presence of high-ranking U.S. officials, particularly in politically charged global environments, is not unusual.

Such figures are typically accompanied by extensive security teams, including the United States Secret Service, which is tasked with ensuring the safety of VIPs in highly crowded, international venues.

While this is standard protocol, Spain’s experience demonstrates how such security measures can inadvertently disrupt the experience of other attendees, especially journalists and sports fans who are there primarily to observe and report on the competition.

Sarah Spain’s Proximity to JD Vance
According to Spain, she was seated only about twenty meters away from Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the U.S. women’s hockey game against the Czech Republic.