Former ESPN journalist Sarah Spain has spoken candidly about what she described as an unsettling experience sitting near Vice President JD Vance during the Winter Olympics earlier this month.

Spain, who now hosts the podcast Good Game With Sarah Spain, recounted the moment during a recent episode, explaining that she was attending a women’s hockey matchup when Vance and members of his security detail entered the seating area nearby. Her comments quickly drew attention online, particularly because of the strong language she used to describe how the encounter made her feel.

The Setting at the Winter Olympics

The moment took place during the Winter Olympics festivities, which included events at San Siro for the opening ceremony. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, were present as part of the official U.S. delegation. Cameras captured them waving American flags during the ceremony.

According to broadcast commentary at the time, the crowd reaction appeared mixed. Some attendees applauded, while others booed. One commentator noted on air that there were “a lot of boos,” accompanied by whistling and jeering, though applause could also be heard.

After the opening events, Vance reportedly stayed to watch Team USA compete in women’s hockey. Spain said she was seated approximately 20 meters away from Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the game.

Spain Describes the Moment on Her Podcast

On her podcast, Spain described how the atmosphere shifted about twelve minutes into the first period.

“Twelve minutes into the first period, that area suddenly is awash with large men in suits with earpieces,” she said. “And here comes JD Vance carrying a child and a bunch of security, and eventually Marco Rubio.”

Spain explained that she was not expecting to see the vice president so close to her seating section. She described feeling physically unsettled when she realized he was nearby.

“When I see JD Vance’s eyeliner face, I literally feel ill,” she said during the episode, using a vivid metaphor to describe the reaction. She added that her body reacted with what she compared to the sensation of being startled or spooked.

“I don’t even believe in that,” she continued, referencing her earlier comment, “but my body felt like when you’ve been spooked, and you have a little tingle that feels like, ‘ooh, something’s not right.’ That’s what my body felt like. And I was in no way prepared to see him.”

Her remarks sparked strong reactions across social media, with supporters and critics weighing in on both the tone and substance of her comments.

Frustration Over Security Presence

Beyond her emotional reaction, Spain said she was frustrated by the Secret Service presence in the seating area.

According to her account, agents standing in front of her partially obstructed her view of the ice.

“It made me so angry,” she said. “Not just because his Secret Service were blocking half the ice… like, we’re trying to watch a hockey game. You ruined it.”

Security protocols for high-ranking officials often involve visible protective measures, including close proximity agents and restricted movement in surrounding areas. Such arrangements can sometimes affect nearby spectators’ sightlines, particularly in tightly packed venues.

Spain said she left the game before it concluded, missing part of Team USA’s 5-0 victory over Switzerland.

Vance’s Role at the Games

As vice president, JD Vance led the official U.S. delegation at the Olympic opening ceremony. During his time at the event, he spoke with members of Team USA, encouraging them to enjoy the experience.

“I hope you just soak it all in,” Vance said in remarks shared publicly. “I hope you win as many medals as possible, but most of all, I just hope you enjoy the experience. The whole country — Democrat, Republican, Independent — we’re all rooting for you.”

His message emphasized unity and national pride during the international sporting event.

Reaction to Spain’s Comments

Spain’s remarks have prompted debate about political expression in sports settings. Some listeners praised her for openly sharing her emotional response, while others criticized her tone as unnecessarily harsh or personal.

Public figures often face intense reactions when discussing political leaders, especially in highly polarized climates. Social media amplified clips from the podcast, leading to broader discussion beyond her usual audience.

At the same time, others noted that personal reactions — even strong ones — reflect the deeply divided political atmosphere in the United States.

Sports, Politics, and Public Perception

The intersection of sports and politics has long been a subject of debate. International competitions such as the Olympics frequently include political figures as part of official delegations, which can generate both ceremonial celebration and political commentary.

For some fans, sporting events serve as an escape from political tensions. For others, political symbolism at such events is unavoidable, particularly when high-ranking officials attend.

Spain’s comments highlight how those dynamics can play out on a personal level — from emotional reactions to logistical frustrations involving security arrangements.

A Broader Conversation

While Spain framed her comments as a description of her personal feelings, the strong imagery she used sparked broader conversations about civility, political disagreement, and public discourse.

Political leaders regularly attend major sporting events, and security protocols are typically non-negotiable for safety reasons. However, the experience for nearby spectators can vary depending on seating proximity and venue layout.

Spain’s podcast episode has since circulated widely, drawing attention from news outlets and online commentators.

Moving Forward

The Winter Olympics continued without incident following the hockey game. Team USA secured its victory, and Olympic events progressed as scheduled.

For Spain, the moment became part of a larger podcast discussion reflecting her personal reaction. For Vance, the appearance was part of official duties representing the United States at a global sporting event.

As conversations unfold online, the episode serves as another example of how sports, politics, and personal expression often intersect — sometimes in unexpected and emotional ways.

What remains clear is that public reactions to political figures can vary dramatically depending on perspective, setting, and personal beliefs.