Milano, Italy — NBC Universal has apologized and removed segments from its platforms after commentators incorrectly referred to a transgender athlete using the wrong pronouns during a skiing event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Swedish skier Elis Lundholm, who identifies as male, was repeatedly misgendered while competing in the women’s moguls freestyle division.

Lundholm, 23, transitioned from female to male and is competing under current International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines that allow transgender athletes to participate in accordance with their gender identity. Despite the broadcasting errors, including comments on NBC’s international feed, Lundholm continued to focus on his performance.

“We take this matter seriously,” NBC stated in an announcement. The network conveyed its regret toward Lundholm and viewers, emphasizing the removal of the affected footage, which was initially streamed on their Peacock platform.

In his event, Lundholm finished in 25th place overall, with a score of 12.05 following his first run. Commentators misidentified him, stating phrases like, “Oh, she just skids out of that gate,” during live coverage.

Lundholm has expressed that he has been treated well since his decision to compete in female divisions, and he wants to focus on his performance rather than distractions. He acknowledged the scrutiny but emphasized, “I do my thing, and I don’t give a damn.”

Lundholm’s participation aligns with the IOC’s 2021 guidelines, which permit transgender athletes to compete upon securing approval from their respective national sports federations. As the only openly transgender athlete in the Games, Lundholm’s presence highlights ongoing discussions surrounding inclusion and fairness in sports.

His determination to compete showcases both his personal journey and the broader narrative about acceptance and representation in athletics. Lundholm articulated, “I came out and identified as a man. But I compete against women because they have the same qualifications as me. And that’s okay with everyone,” reinforcing his commitment to both his identity and the sport.

As the Winter Olympics continue, the incident has sparked conversations about the careful balance between inclusivity and accuracy in sports broadcasting, bringing to light the responsibilities of media organizations in a complex cultural landscape.