Tormis Laine, Estonia's top alpine skier, is competing in his third Olympic Games and has adopted a notably calmer demeanor compared to previous events. Laine arrived in Bormio, Italy, on Wednesday and is set to begin his training for the upcoming competitions. The unique setup of the Milano Cortina Olympics has led to a situation where men and women in alpine skiing are competing in separate cities for the first time, adding an extra layer of logistical challenge for the athletes.

In preparation for the Games, Laine expressed a sense of normalcy about the Olympic village, stating that it resembles any typical Italian village despite the high-profile nature of the event. He noted that currently the village is inhabited solely by male alpine skiers, as other categories like SkiMo will arrive later, indicating the separation of events and the need for athletes to acclimatize in stages. This situation underscores the broader organizational changes at the Olympics, reflecting the increased complexity of hosting multi-disciplinary events in different locations.

At just 25 years old, Laine's experience at his third Olympics illustrates his growth as an athlete, reflecting both the pressures and joys of competing on such a significant stage. As he gears up for his events, his thoughts on the unique atmosphere of the Olympic village highlight the personal experiences that come along with major international competitions, and how they can impact an athlete's performance and mental state going forward.