There's only a few days left until we'll all finally be tuned into the Milan -Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 6-22, 2026. While we await the exploits on the snowy slopes, work is underway behind the scenes on another crucial aspect: athlete nutrition. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) has drawn attention to this aspect in a statement, emphasizing that food in the Olympic villages will be a crucial component to the success of the Games. 24-hour canteens will be available, along with menus designed for every need and culture.
Food and Sports Performance Must be Allies
"No athlete should feel excluded, whether at the table or during competition." This is what is written in the MIT statement published on the official website, which emphasizes how nutrition is a strategic factor to plan for in the Olympic and Paralympic villages. "Food as energy, but also as a universal language and a tool for inclusion: in villages like the one in Cortina, everything revolves around one principle. Those arriving from the other side of the world will be able to eat as if they were at home, without compromising their preparation or recovery." Therefore, these will be an Olympics dedicated to good nutrition, seen as a fundamental element for success in the various sporting disciplines.
We all remember the major controversy sparked by some athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. International media reported numerous complaints from athletes criticizing the poor quality of the food and the limited resources provided by the event organizers. This risk will be avoided at Milan-Cortina: as emphasized by the Ministry of Transport, there will be 24-hour canteens and customized menus for each culture and country. In the common areas of the Olympic villages, which in places like Cortina d'Ampezzo feature dedicated dining areas next to the training areas, efforts will be made to ensure energy, recovery, and physical well-being for those competing at altitude and facing time zones far from home.
The key word will be "customization": protein-rich menus and meals for endurance athletes, lighter dishes for those competing in more explosive races, and even catering for intolerances, allergies, or vegan options. In short, here, food will be an integral part of the athletes' physical and mental preparation.
Food Culture in Sport
In addition to the top-notch nutrition designed for champions, Milano Cortina 2026 is also promoting dialogue between sport, gastronomy, and food culture. Numerous events are being organized related to conscious nutrition and the relationship between food and athletic performance. It's not just about village tables: the entire Olympic region is showcasing Alpine and local cuisine, with dishes that speak of tradition and climate adaptation, featuring flavors from Valtellina and the Dolomites, ready to welcome athletes and spectators.
"The goal," the MIT writes, "will be a diet that combines health, sustainability, and respect for diversity, in line with IOC standards and the Italian tradition of good eating." In the Olympic villages, food will become a common ground where cultures and disciplines will meet and where the Olympic spirit can be shared, even at the table.
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