Former ESPN personality Sarah Spain recently described an uncomfortable moment while covering the Winter Olympics. Speaking on her podcast, Good Game with Sarah Spain, she said she felt uneasy after sitting near Vice President JD Vance during a women’s hockey game.

Spain explained that a large security presence suddenly entered the arena, followed by Vance and other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She said the unexpected arrival quickly changed the atmosphere around her.

According to Spain, the moment disrupted her focus on the game and triggered a strong emotional reaction. She described feeling “ill” and compared the experience to being suddenly spooked or unsettled.

She added that she had not expected to encounter the vice president so closely and experienced a physical sense of discomfort. Her comments quickly circulated online, prompting mixed reactions.

Some listeners expressed understanding of her feelings, while others argued her language was overly dramatic. The exchange became part of a broader conversation about public figures and political presence at sporting events.

Spain also voiced frustration about the security detail, saying agents blocked part of her view. She felt the obstruction interfered with her ability to fully watch and cover the athletes’ performance.

Additionally, she noted that photographers appeared more focused on capturing images of the political delegation than on the action on the ice, which added to her irritation.

The United States team ultimately won the game convincingly. Vance, who was leading the American delegation, met with Team USA athletes and offered supportive remarks. Neither he nor his office publicly responded to Spain’s comments.