Life in the Olympic Village: Canadian Skaters’ Off-Ice Adventures at the Games
You may have seen Canadian skaters on the ice at the Milano Ice Skating Arena (spoiler alert: they delivered personal best scores and some truly amazing performances). But there's more to the Olympic experience than just the competition. Our athletes have been making the most of their time off the ice, exploring the Olympic Village and discovering the city of Milan. Here's what they've been up to so far.
A staple of the Olympic experience for athletes is the Olympic Village, packed with unique pop-ups and activities. One of the most popular spots has been the Corona Cero relaxation and wellness lounge, where athletes can enjoy restorative yoga, sound bathing, and meditation.
The lounge also features the Cero ("zero") Stress Plant Shop, where athletes can adopt a houseplant to nurture during their stay and donate it to fans after the Games. Women's singles skater Madeline Schizas joined in, adopting a plant and giving a nod to Heated Rivalry, naming the plant Ilya Rozanov.
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Another fan-favorite is the Coca-Cola vending machine, where athletes can print their faces on a Coke can. Veteran ice dancer Piper Gilles captured the moment on social media, saying, "It looks just like me!" showing the fun keepsake from the Games.
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The Coca-Cola Recreation Center also offers musical instruments, and naturally, our resident pianist Zachary Lagha couldn't resist sharing some tunes with his fellow Olympians.
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A big part of the village experience is connecting with athletes from around the world. Team Canada's figure skaters have been making new friends, snapping photos, and trading pins with other Olympians. They've also been proudly rocking their Team Canada lululemon kits and of course, stopping for the iconic Olympic rings photo.
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The Olympic Village dining hall has been a hub for mingling and refueling. What's on the menu in Milan? Plenty of Italian classics: pasta, pizza, focaccia, mozzarella balls… and the highly praised chocolate lava cake, though the verdict is still out on whether it beats the "chocolate muffin" hype.
When it comes to days off, our athletes have been making the most of them. Piper Gilles enjoyed a mini spa day at the QC Spa of Wonder, soaking in the sauna, cold plunge, and red-light therapy. A well-deserved dose of rest and relaxation.
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Other athletes have been using their days off to explore Milan and spend quality time with family. Pairs skater Lia Pereira, who is Italian, is experiencing Italy for the first time and is making the most of her time here with her family. She visited Lake Como after the Team Event, soaking in the gorgeous scenery and enjoying the experience.
"My grandfather immigrated to Canada from Italy, but I've never been. It's always been my dream to be here, so it's really special to experience my first Games here," Pereira shared.
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Madeline Schizas has also spent time with family out-and-about in Milan trying new restaurants and exploring thrift markets. She's been busy with media as well, giving interviews and sharing her insights from the Games with the stunning Duomo di Milano as her backdrop.
With two weeks of the Games still ahead, there's plenty more off-ice adventure to come. Follow our social channels and subscribe to our Olympic newsletter to keep up with Team Canada's journey on and off the ice in Milano Cortina.