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 policemen maintain a watchful eye. The crowds hope for a glimpse of something, though no one seems to be entering or exiting except for police vehicles. Fortunately, the athletes are largely spared from feeling like zoo exhibits, thanks to a walled perimeter and multiple security checkpoints that protect the Village's inner oasis.
A Tranquil Oasis Amidst the Buzz
Once inside, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The dismal rain of recent days has cleared, and athletes and staff are scattered throughout, reclining on sun loungers and mingling casually. They appear as ordinary individuals rather than world-class sports stars. In a central plaza, a group of Polish athletes snap photos by the Olympic rings. Nearby, an Italian gymnast slumps on a beanbag chair, while a young Taiwanese athlete grins broadly as she tests her coach's air hockey skills.
The space is bright, leafy, and airy, yet surprisingly corporate with brand names prominently displayed everywhere. Numerous relaxation areas abound, from a Corona Cero plant shop—where keeping a plant alive until the Games' end earns a gift—to a dimly-lit Samsung gaming room. Mindfulness sessions and a DJ provide entertainment, though not simultaneously.
Team GB's Homely Haven
Unlike the Summer Olympics, Team GB shares a building with other nations, including France, China, Georgia, and Latvia, all essentially just down the hall. The ten British athletes in Milan—figure, short-track, and speed skaters—have a corridor to themselves, evoking the feel of high-class university halls with an inviting lounge space far superior to any common room.
Two rooms feature birthday balloons on their doors, celebrating figure skater Luke Digby and physio Callum on the day of the visit. Team GB's Carly Hodgson explains, "We try to make it a home away from home." Before the athletes arrived, good luck cards from friends and family awaited on windowsills, and each received a bracelet with the Team GB symbol.
Most decor consists of GB merchandise, from flags in every room to the extensive clothing provided to each athlete. Notably, the kitchen is stocked with 5,000 teabags. The GB space includes a physio room overseen by doctor Victoria, filled with drawers of medical equipment—including 4.3km of surgical tape. A stretching area and a well-used PS4 corner are also present; short-track skater Niall Treacy notes 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 says.
Thoughtful Logistics and Personal Touches
Treacy is fortunate to have his own room, while others share based on early morning alarms for ice rink access to avoid disturbing those with later schedules. Every detail has been considered, from 120 spare pairs of snow socks to 310 plug adaptors. For athletes, the focus is on settling in, relaxing, and preparing to compete when the time comes.
Pin-trading remains a favourite pastime, as seen at Paris 2024, with ice dancer James Hernandez reportedly amassing an impressive collection. Treacy remarks 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." However, the 25-year-old is more concerned with practice sessions.
Team GB cars and special Olympic transport are available to ferry athletes to the rink and back to this little haven at day's end, ensuring they can focus on performance in a supportive environment.
