Full Breakdown
NBC Apologizes for Misgendering Trans Athlete Elis Lundholm at Winter Olympics
2/12/2026, 10:00:15 PM
Misgendering Incident During Coverage
NBCUniversal issued an apology after commentators misgendered Swedish skier Elis Lundholm during the 2026 Winter Olympics coverage. Lundholm, a 23-year-old transgender man, made history as the first openly transgender male athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics, participating in the women’s moguls event in Livigno, Italy. During his qualifying run on February 10, commentators referred to him using incorrect pronouns, repeatedly calling him "she." This misgendering occurred on an international feed broadcast on NBC's streaming platform, Peacock, which featured commentators not contracted by NBC.
Official Response and Apology
In response to the backlash, NBC stated, “NBC Sports takes this matter seriously. Today we streamed an international feed with non-NBCUniversal commentators who misgendered Olympian Elis Lundholm. We apologize to Elis and our viewers, and we have removed the replay of that feed.” Following the incident, NBC removed the footage from its platforms and social media channels, although it was still accessible directly through its website for a brief period.
Lundholm's Performance and Context
Lundholm finished 29th in the first qualifying round with a score of 12.05, which did not advance him to the finals. However, due to the two-stage qualification system, he had a second chance to qualify. In the subsequent round, he scored 59.22, ultimately placing 25th overall and missing out on a medal opportunity. Lundholm expressed satisfaction with his performance despite the challenges, stating, “I’m happy to put down a run today. It wasn’t the best run... but I’m happy.”
Background on Trans Athlete Participation
Lundholm's participation in the women’s category aligns with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) regulations, which permit trans athletes to compete based on their registered sex. Lundholm has not undergone hormone therapy, allowing him to meet the eligibility criteria. His presence at the Olympics has sparked discussions about the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports, especially as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) considers potential changes to its policies regarding trans participation.
Criticism and Broader Implications
The misgendering incident has drawn criticism, particularly in light of previous controversies surrounding gender identity in Olympic coverage. The IOC's president, Kirsty Coventry, has indicated a potential move to ban trans women from competing in women's events, which could significantly impact future Olympic participation for trans athletes. Lundholm has addressed the criticism surrounding his participation, emphasizing his focus on competition rather than external opinions, stating, “Of course it’s something I thought about... but then I do my thing, and I don’t give a damn.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “NBC Sports takes this matter seriously… Today we streamed an international feed with non-NBCUniversal commentators who misgendered Olympian Elis Lundholm. We apologise to Elis and our viewers, and we have removed the replay of that feed.” — NBC Sports Representative
- “I’m happy to put down a run today. It wasn’t the best run,” — Elis Lundholm
- “Of course it’s something I thought about… But then I do my thing and don’t give a damn,” — Elis Lundholm
The incident highlights ongoing challenges and discussions regarding the representation and treatment of transgender athletes in sports, particularly at high-profile events like the Olympics.
