Team USA athletes are currently immersing themselves in their accommodations at the various Olympic villages throughout Italy, ahead of the highly anticipated Games. Their experiences range from being captivated by the stunning alpine scenery in Cortina d'Ampezzo to appreciating the metropolitan charm of Milan's village, which offers thoughtful amenities like a plant-fostering program. A common thread across these diverse locations appears to be the athletes' enthusiastic embrace of Italian cuisine, particularly pizza, as they settle into their pre-competition routines.
Olympic Athletes Embrace Italian Charm and Culinary Delights Across Villages
Arrival in the Dolomites: A Curler's First Impressions of Cortina
Upon their arrival at the Olympic village in Fiames, nestled within the Cortina d'Ampezzo competition cluster, curler Cory Thiesse from Minnesota expressed her awe. She recounted how the mountains, initially glimpsed in the dark, revealed their full splendor the following morning, making her feel truly integrated into the majestic natural surroundings. Her mixed doubles partner, Korey Dropkin of Massachusetts, echoed these sentiments, marveling at the consistently picturesque views offered by the ski resort town of Cortina.
Olympic Villages: A Blend of Comfort and Community for Athletes
As athletes from various disciplines continue to arrive in northern Italy, they are being welcomed into Olympic villages strategically located across four distinct competition clusters. Each village is designed to cater to their needs, providing essential facilities such as lodging, fitness centers, laundry services, medical support, and dining halls. In these communal spaces, athletes are making culinary choices, often favoring pasta over healthier options like steamed vegetables.
Urban Sophistication: Milan's Olympic Village Experience
For athletes like hockey players, speedskaters, and figure skaters, the Olympic village in Milan offers a more urban environment. First-time Olympian and figure skater Ilia Malinin from Virginia shared his excitement about the vibrant atmosphere in the cafeteria, where he enjoys seeing a multitude of team jackets and athletes from diverse sports gathered together. Ice dancer Madison Chock from California highlighted unique features of the Milan village, such as a greenhouse-themed lounge designed for relaxation and the unexpected opportunity for athletes to nurture plants in their rooms, adding a refreshing natural element to the city setting.
Livigno's Culinary Hit: Snowboarders' Love Affair with Pizza
In the mountain town of Livigno, near the Swiss border, snowboarders have discovered a particular affection for pizza. Lily Dhawornvej from Colorado humorously admitted to consuming seven slices of pizza in a single evening, declaring it her primary sustenance. Her teammate, Hahna Norman from California, shared a similar experience, detailing a post-practice pizza feast and card game with Austrian Olympic champion Anna Gasser, underscoring the role of carb-loading in their training regimen.
Expanding Palates: Beyond Pizza in the Alpine Villages
While pizza remains a favorite, snowboarder Jess Perlmutter from New Jersey has also ventured into other Italian culinary delights, praising the pasta as the best she's ever tasted and enjoying gelato. Notably, she appreciates the availability of gluten-free options, remarking on Italy's surprising excellence in catering to such dietary needs. The general consensus among the snowboarders is that their time in Italy has been exceptionally enjoyable, blending athletic pursuits with delightful gastronomic experiences.
