Team USA Lands in Italy’s Athletes’ Villages: NPR
As the athletes gear up for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA has officially settled into their accommodations across Italy. The Olympic athletes’ villages are strategically located in four key competition clusters, offering a mix of serene mountain views and urban amenities.
Team USA’s Arrival in Italy
Cory Thiesse, a curler from Minnesota, describes her initial moments at the athletes’ village in Fiames, part of the Cortina d’Ampezzo competition cluster. “We arrived at the village at night, and it was breathtaking seeing the mountains,” she recalled. Waking up to the stunning landscapes left a powerful impression on her and her mixed doubles partner, Korey Dropkin from Massachusetts.
Dropkin highlighted Cortina’s striking beauty, stating, “It’s picturesque no matter where you are.” Olympic athletes are arriving in northern Italy and moving into various villages that cater to their needs with beds, gyms, laundry facilities, medical assistance, and dining options.
Life in the Athletes’ Villages
At the Olympic village in Milan, a more urban environment hosts hockey players, speed skaters, and figure skaters. First-time Olympian Ilia Malinin from Virginia expressed his excitement about being surrounded by so many athletes, saying, “It’s so cool going into a cafeteria and seeing so many team jackets.”
Madison Chock, an ice dancer from California, noted unique features of the village, such as an athlete lounge designed like a greenhouse, where athletes can unwind and care for plants. “I was pleasantly surprised that we could foster plants in the village,” she added, enjoying the calming atmosphere.
Dining and Celebrating Team Spirit
Snowboarders have settled in Livigno, a charming mountain town near Switzerland. Popular dining choices include pizza, with athlete Lily Dhawornvej from Colorado revealing she enjoyed seven slices in one evening. Fellow teammate Hahna Norman from California also joined in the fun, saying, “I too smashed a pizza with Anna Gasser.” This camaraderie extends beyond meals, as they bond over post-practice activities.
- Lily Dhawornvej (Colorado): 7 slices of pizza in one sitting
- Hahna Norman: Enjoys pizza with fellow competitors
- Jess Perlmutter (New Jersey): Two pizzas and gluten-free pasta
Perlmutter praised Italy’s gluten-free offerings, asserting, “Italy’s like one of the best places for gluten-free food—surprisingly so.” The positive culinary experiences enhance their Olympic journey.
Overall, Team USA is embracing their time in Italy, not only through athletic pursuits but also by savoring local delicacies and establishing connections with fellow competitors. The excitement is palpable as they prepare for their events, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich culture.
