Japan’s Olympic Committee expressed frustration over meal options during the torchbearer selection camp for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, highlighting Korea’s aggressive promotion of Korean cuisine.
Torchbearer Camp in Italy Draws Complaints
The selection process for torchbearers takes place across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Livigno in Italy from June 6 to 22. Organizers assigned centers based on each participating country’s characteristics, clustering them for efficiency. Around 36 planned torchbearers from approximately 22 countries reside at these sites, while 130 torchbearers overall engage in joint training sessions and meetings.
For the first time, event planners introduced night dormitories to enhance accommodations. Japan’s committee nominated Bhutanese candidates—the country’s debut full individual nominations—yet Bhutanese participants voiced dissatisfaction primarily with the food menu.
Italian Cuisine Dominates, But Variety Offered
Senior category meals center on Italian staples like pasta and pizza, supplemented by diverse options including Korean dishes, fresh salads, soups, and desserts. Despite the variety, some torchbearers report ongoing issues with the offerings.
Japan’s Olympic Committee noted, “Korea invests heavily through 22 corporate support centers allocated to the torch selection process, promoting Korean food relentlessly day and night.”
Korea’s Olympic Committee Boosts Athlete Experience
The Korean Olympic Committee plans to leverage these centers to showcase national strengths ahead of dispatching its team to the 2026 Games. Yu Seung-min, president of the committee, stated, “We prepared proper dormitories for the torchbearers here to ensure they enjoy a positive experience and recharge their energy.”
Torchbearers have responded positively. Short track speed skater Sim Seok-hee shared, “While conditioning and relationships matter, a good experience and proper meals are crucial right now. The nutrition team prepared excellent food, allowing us to focus on event preparations amid the training.”
She added, “Even during mixed-gender sessions, we can savor delicious meals thanks to the thoughtful night dormitories. This sincere preparation motivates us to train harder while enjoying the food.”
The Japanese Olympic Committee emphasized, “Hosting an international event with numerous participating countries makes it challenging to satisfy everyone with the environment. Athlete performance hinges on resolving food concerns effectively.”
