Russian figure skater Gleb Smolkin recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the dining options available to athletes at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, particularly highlighting the predominance of Italian cuisine. Smolkin, who is competing for Georgia alongside his partner and wife, Diana Davis, described a growing aversion to the pasta that is being predominantly served in the Olympic Village canteen.
The 26-year-old athlete voiced his concerns through the Fanpage website, stating, “In the village, we haven’t found any Russian or Georgian cuisine — nothing of the kind.” He went on to mention that after consuming pasta regularly, he began to feel unwell, remarking, “The food here is European and, for now, quite monotonous … Pasta is already starting to make my stomach churn.”
In response to Smolkin’s comments, Elisabetta Salvadori, the head of food and drink for the Olympics, emphasized that there are a variety of alternatives available for athletes beyond just pasta. “Nobody is obliged to eat pasta,” Salvadori clarified, assuring that options such as potatoes, rice, and bread are also on the menu for the 1,500 athletes being fed in the Olympic Village.
Despite Smolkin’s discontent, other athletes have been enjoying the food. Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam, who recently secured a gold medal in the women’s 1,000m competition, posted on social media to share her positive experience. She celebrated the pasta, stating, “I’ve been eating that pasta here in Italy and they work,” suggesting the meal choices are beneficial for competitors. Leerdam even shared a TikTok video featuring a food tour inside the Village, displaying an array of options including vegetables, yogurt, fruit, oatmeal, pizza, as well as pasta, fish, and eggs.
As the Winter Olympics continue, it is clear that while certain athletes may have specific dietary preferences and restrictions, the menu is designed to accommodate a diverse range of tastes and nutritional needs.