Milano Cortina 2026: What Do Olympic Athletes Eat?

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are fast approaching, and while athletes prepare to give their all, one question arises: what's on the menu in the Olympic Village? With thousands of athletes from all over the world, diversity and meal quality are key. Let's see how the organizers have planned to fill the plates of these aspiring champions.

24-Hour Canteens

To meet the dietary needs of all athletes, the organizers have gone all out by offering canteens open 24 hours a day. Whether in Milan, Cortina, or Predazzo, the meal capacity is impressive: about 10,800 meals served daily across the Olympic villages. Menus are carefully designed to reflect 93 different cultures, enough to tantalize even the pickiest food lovers.

Popular Dishes

Italian cuisine is, of course, in the spotlight, and some specialties are already very popular among athletes. Here's what's all the rage:

• Pasta: plain, with ragù, or tomato sauce – a timeless classic!
• Focaccia: another star of Italian cuisine that never disappoints.
• Lasagna and gnocchi: dishes that warm the heart and soul.
• Pizza: whether it's quattro formaggi or topped with fresh herbs and cured meats, it rivals our good old Quebec poutine!
• Fresh cheeses: mozzarella, burrata, and even brie for those who love creamy flavors.
• Proteins: beef, veal, and other meats to fuel up on energy.

"I had the best pasta I've ever eaten here." - Jess Perlmutter, American snowboarder

The Viral Dessert: Tortino al Cioccolato

Now let's talk about the sweet star of these Games: the tortino al cioccolato, a molten chocolate cake that has won the hearts (and stomachs) of athletes. Available even at breakfast, this dessert has become a must-have.

"It might be better than the viral chocolate muffin from Paris." - Courtney Saurault, Canadian speed skater

The tortino al cioccolato even caught the attention of Henrik Christiansen, the "Muffin Man" from the Paris 2024 Games, who jokingly remarked, "Idk man, seems sketchy" upon seeing it.

Lessons from Paris 2024

After the few culinary disappointments of the Paris 2024 Games, such as egg rationing and a lack of proteins, Milano Cortina has taken notes to avoid the same mistakes. With a full year of preparation, the organizers ensured that every athlete finds what they need, whether it be protein-rich menus for endurance athletes or lighter dishes for sprinters.

Personalized Nutrition

In Milano Cortina, the key word is "personalization." Every athlete should feel at home, whether at the table or in competition. Diversity is at the heart of the menus, as are health and sustainability. Food intolerances and vegan preferences are considered, ensuring no one feels left out.

"No athlete should feel excluded, whether at the table or during competition." - Elisabetta Salvadori, Head of Food and Beverages

Athlete Reactions

Initial feedback from athletes is quite positive. Here are some impressions gathered:

• Jenning de Boo, Dutch speed skater: "It's no Michelin-star restaurant, but I find it quite adequate."
• Ilia Malinin, American figure skater: "I like it. It's comfortable for me."
• Matt C. Smith, South African cross-country skier, rated the pizza 8.5/10.
• Natalie Spooner, Canadian hockey player, rated the torta della nonna 7/10.

Conclusion

Milano Cortina 2026 seems well on its way to offering athletes a feast fit for champions. With special attention to diversity, quality, and personalization, these Games are already standing out for their culinary approach. Whether you're a fan of pasta, pizza, or chocolate desserts, there's plenty to envy about these athletes who, in addition to experiencing an exceptional sporting event, are enjoying Italian delights.

Sources

• Detroit News
• TODAY.com
• Cookist
• Olympics.com
• E! Online
• La Presse