The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are currently underway, with competitions in various disciplines continuing. Latvian athletes have already brought excitement to their supporters by winning two Olympic medals—Elīna Ieva Bota securing a silver in luge and Roberts Krūzbergs earning bronze in short track. Their achievements have added to the festive atmosphere surrounding the Games.

Elīna and her husband, fellow luge athlete Mārtiņš Bota, have had the opportunity to experience the Olympic villages, enjoying the amenities offered in both Cortina, where they competed, and later in Milan. However, they expressed mixed feelings about the quality of the food available to them, highlighting that they have found it lacking, to the point where Elīna remarked that she hasn’t eaten warm food for two weeks. This criticism sheds light on some of the challenges athletes face concerning sustenance during major international competitions.

Their commentary not only reflects personal experiences but also points to broader implications regarding how athlete well-being is prioritized by event organizers. As the Olympics strive to showcase the best of sportsmanship and competition, ensuring proper nutrition for participating athletes may also be a vital aspect of their overall performance and satisfaction during the games.