Olympic Athletes Deliver Memorable Quotes at Milan-Cortina 2026 Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have produced thrilling athletic performances, but beyond the medals and records, the Games have also generated a treasure trove of memorable quotes from participants. These colorful observations offer glimpses into the personalities, humor, and humanity of the world's top winter sports athletes.
Curling Coach Heather Nedohin on Swearing Incident
Heather Nedohin, coach of Team Rachel Homan, provided a humorous perspective when asked about a Canadian men's curler swearing at an opponent. "We see many four-letter words in the hockey game," Nedohin remarked. "We see it once in the curling and (it's) 'Ooh. Shame.' It's a giggle. It really is." She added with characteristic candor, "God forbid a female says it. Oh, sh– balls. I'll say it. Please repeat."
Age and Experience in Speedskating
Italian short-track speedskater Chiara Betti, 23, offered a frank assessment of her teammate Arianna Fontana, who at 35 continues to compete at the highest level. "I don't think I will get to her age," Betti said. "I'm already tired." This honest reflection highlights the physical demands of elite winter sports.
Family Dynamics in Skeleton Racing
Danish skeleton pilot Rasmus Vestergaard Johansen shared a personal moment between heats with his sister and fellow athlete Nanna. "A boy texted her on Instagram and she wanted some advice about that," he revealed, showing how Olympic athletes balance competition with everyday concerns.
Team Support with Boundaries
American downhill skier Kyle Negomir described his approach to comforting teammate Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who woke up with a stomach bug on race day. "You try to rally around him as much as you can," Negomir explained, "but I'm not exactly cuddling up to him in bed the night before the race."
Anxiety Management Techniques
American snowboarder Chloe Kim shared her simple but effective strategy for managing pre-competition nerves. "I have so much anxiety but thankfully, I have matcha," she said, highlighting how athletes develop personal rituals to handle pressure.
Enduring Olympic Fame
British ski jumper Eddie (The Eagle) Edwards, who became famous during the 1988 Calgary Games despite finishing 58th, expressed continued amazement at his lasting recognition. "Every time the Winter Olympics comes around I get so busy doing interviews ... I find it amazing because I went to the Olympics 38 years ago and finished 58th."
Biathlon Concentration Challenges
Italian biathlete Michela Carrara revealed an unusual challenge in her sport. "Honestly, it bores me," she said about the shooting portion. "I try to concentrate on skiing or something else just to avoid getting lost in the woods."
Future Olympic Aspirations
Forty-one-year-old American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor offered a realistic perspective on potentially competing in the 2034 Salt Lake Games. "If I'm competing in the Salt Lake Games it might be a medical miracle," she quipped.
Discovering a Passion
Argentine luger Verónica María Ravenna recalled the school trip that sparked her sliding career. "I took my first run and most of my classmates were too scared to go again, but I was just laughing the whole way down, so I thought this is something I should do."
Superstitions and Traditions
Canadian freestyle skier Julien Viel, 24, shared his pre-competition ritual involving a nostalgic reference. "It's my T-shirt underneath my jacket. It's a T-shirt of The Lion King, and it says 'Hakuna Matata.'" Viel noted he was born seven years after the film's theatrical release, showing how cultural references transcend generations.
These quotes, gathered by the Olympic News Service for accredited media, provide a refreshing counterpoint to the intense competition of the Games. They remind us that behind every athletic achievement are individuals with unique perspectives, humor, and humanity.
