DJs, Air Hockey and 5,000 Teabags: Inside Team GB's Olympic Village
On a bright and unseasonably warm February day in Milan, hordes of spectators gather four or five deep around the perimeter of the Olympic Village. Phones and selfie sticks are held aloft, while clusters of police officers maintain a watchful presence. The atmosphere is one of eager anticipation, though few athletes are visible entering or exiting beyond the occasional police vehicle.
Fortunately, the competitors are largely shielded from feeling like zoo exhibits by a walled perimeter and multiple security checkpoints. These barriers protect the serene oasis that lies within the Village itself.
A Tranquil Haven Amidst the Chaos
Once inside, the vibe transforms dramatically. The dismal rain of recent days has cleared, and athletes and staff are scattered throughout the grounds. They recline on sun loungers and mill about, appearing for all the world like ordinary people rather than world-class sports stars.
A group of Polish athletes snap photographs of each other by the Olympic rings in a central plaza. Nearby, an Italian gymnast slumps comfortably on a beanbag chair, while a young Taiwanese athlete grins ear to ear as she tests her coach's air hockey skills.
The space is bright, leafy, and airy—though perhaps surprisingly corporate, with brand names emblazoned everywhere. Numerous relaxation areas dot the landscape, from a Corona Cero plant shop (offering gifts for those who keep their plants alive until the Games' end) to a dimly-lit Samsung gaming room. Mindfulness sessions and a DJ provide entertainment—though not simultaneously.
Team GB's Home Away From Home
Unlike at a Summer Olympics, Team GB shares a building with other national teams. France, China, Georgia, and Latvia are essentially just down the hall. The ten British athletes in Milan—figure, short-track, and speed skaters—have a corridor to themselves, evoking the feeling of high-class university halls.
An inviting lounge space, far nicer than any typical common room, welcomes visitors. Two rooms feature birthday balloons stuck to their doors, celebrating figure skater Luke Digby and physio Callum on the day of our visit.
"We try to make it a home away from home," says Team GB's Carly Hodgson. Before the athletes arrived, good luck cards from friends and family awaited them on windowsills. Each athlete and staff member received a bracelet adorned with the Team GB symbol.
Most of the decor consists of GB merchandise, from flags in every room to the extensive wardrobe provided to each competitor. And, of course, there are the 5,000 tea bags stashed in the kitchen.
Facilities and Pastimes
The GB space includes a physio room overseen by doctor Victoria, with drawers full of medical equipment—including 4.3km of surgical tape. A stretching area and a well-used PS4 corner complete the setup. Short track skater Niall Treacy reveals that squad members compete to record the fastest lap on a Silverstone simulator.
"I went on the bike for an hour and a half and found my coach trying to beat my time," he shares.
Treacy is fortunate to have his own room; others share accommodations allocated based on early morning ice rink alarms to avoid disturbing those competing later. Every detail has been considered, from 120 spare pairs of snow socks to 310 plug adaptors.
For the athletes, the priority is settling in, relaxing, and preparing mentally for competition when the moment arrives.
Pin-Trading and Transport
As at Paris 2024, pin-trading remains a favourite pastime. Ice dancer James Hernandez reportedly boasts an impressive collection already. Treacy notes ruefully, "I got scammed by someone from Athlete365 [an IOC initiative]. He asked if we could trade pins, and then I found out my coach got one for nothing."
But the 25-year-old isn't overly concerned with pins at present, focusing instead on practice. Team GB cars and special Olympic transport ferry athletes to the rink and back to this little haven at day's end.
In this meticulously planned environment, athletes find the balance between intense preparation and much-needed respite, all within the unique microcosm of the Olympic Village.
