IOC President visits the Olympic Village in Milan: “The spirit of the Games, the spirit of the athletes, is coming alive”
With just days until the Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry took part in a dynamic visit through the Olympic Village in Milan today, engaging directly with athletes and experiencing first-hand the wide range of services and activations available to support them on site.
For me personally, as an athlete, the Village was always the place that showcased the best of humanity because it had athletes from all walks of life, from around the world, who were coming together and living peacefully and respectfully, and in a way that I think showcases great values for the rest of the world to understand, to admire and to be inspired by.
A home away from home for the athletes who will inspire the world
During the visit, the IOC President shared her own memories with athletes, highlighting the unique atmosphere that awaits all participants across the six Villages and encouraging them to make the most of their time there.
Accompanied by Milano Cortina 2026 President and IOC Member Giovanni Malagò, as well as the members of the IOC Executive Board and the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC), President Coventry spent time in the residential zone, met athletes and staff from the Italian delegation, and had lunch with athletes from several National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in the main dining hall.
“This is really a fun time – a special moment for me to be here with everyone and with the Athletes' Commission, and with some of our Olympians who are going to be taking part in the next couple of weeks,” Coventry highlighted.
We cannot wait for you to inspire us because that is what you do. And best of luck.
Living together in respect and friendship
While touring the Milan Olympic Village, the IOC President joined athletes, including IOC AC Chair Emma Terho and Milano Cortina 2026 Athletes’ Commission Chair Anna De La Forest – both Olympians in ice hockey – in signing the Olympic Truce Mural. Present at every Olympic Games since Turin 2006, the Mural invites athletes and officials to show their support for the values of peace, respect, solidarity, inclusion and equality.
“We are here to put our signatures on the Mural that stands for all of our incredible values of friendship and respect and excellence, and to do that as a family united in solidarity and peace,” Coventry said.
The IOC President also explored several athlete-focused initiatives, including the Athlete365 x Powerade Mind Zone – a calm, restorative space for athletes to recharge, practise mindfulness and access confidential support. Piloted successfully at Paris 2024, it has been rolled out across all Olympic Villages at Milano Cortina 2026 as part of the IOC’s increased provision of mental health services for athletes at the Games.
She also experienced the various activations offered by Worldwide Olympic Partners, designed to keep athletes entertained and ready to perform at their best at their “home away from home”.
Just before concluding her visit with lunch alongside athletes in the main dining hall, the IOC President spent time at Athlete365 House, the central hub in each of the Olympic Villages. In this space, athletes can vote in the IOC Athletes’ Commission election, learn about important topics such as anti-doping and the prevention of competition manipulation, and collect limited-edition Olympic pins by taking part in the PinQuest game.