Italy Winter Olympics: Athletes Choose Pasta as Top Fuel

The 25th Winter Olympics will take place in Italy’s Milan and Cortina from February 6 to 22. A total of 116 medals will be awarded across 16 categories, with eight athletes from Turkey, including two women, competing. Before the official opening ceremony, mixed doubles curling matches are already underway.

Italy’s Culinary Focus for Athletes

As the opening of the Winter Olympics approaches, discussions around athletes’ nutrition and security measures are heating up. Organizers of the Milan-Cortina Games have revamped everything from menus to kitchen workflows to ensure top-notch meals. This response comes after criticisms regarding food quality and quantity during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Nutritional Preparations

• Over 10,000 meals will be served daily.
• Approximately 3,500 participants from 92 countries will be catered for.
• Each day, 4,500 meals will be prepared in the Milan Olympic Village.
• Cortina will serve around 4,000 meals, while Predazzo will provide 2,300.

Elisabetta Salvadori, the food and beverage manager, emphasizes that meals should enhance athletes’ performance. Although a diverse range of dishes will be available, plain pasta topped with simple sauces will likely dominate their plates, with lasagna and Italian desserts also among the favorites.

Security Measures for the Winter Olympics

The Italian government is implementing a comprehensive security strategy, coordinated by the International Olympic Operations Room (SOIO). With about 2 million visitors expected, security will be tight throughout the Games.

Enhanced Security Protocols

• Special sniper units will monitor restricted areas.
• Dog units and bomb disposal experts will secure Olympic venues.
• Collaborations with foreign police and Interpol will be established.

The opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium will welcome around 60,000 attendees. Additionally, security measures around hotels accommodating high-profile guests will be heightened. On the day of the ceremony, a restricted area in the city center will be enforced.

Turkey’s Participation in the Winter Olympics

Turkey is entering the Winter Olympics with eight athletes competing in various disciplines, including short track speed skating, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and alpine skiing. The Turkish team will begin their journey on February 9 with ski jumping, and their final events will conclude on February 18.

As the Games draw near, Italy is preparing not only for a showcase of sporting excellence but also a celebration of its rich culinary heritage, emphasizing pasta as the athletes’ top choice for fuel. The Winter Olympics promise to be a remarkable event, blending athletic prowess with cultural significance.