As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach in Milan and Cortina, former Olympians are reflecting on the pivotal role nutrition played in their success, and how those habits continue to shape their lives. For athletes like Apolo Ohno and Julia Mancuso, maintaining a strict dietary regimen wasn’t merely a training tactic, but a foundational element of performance, and recovery.
Julia Mancuso, an alpine skier who competed in four Olympic Games between 2002 and 2014, prioritized control over her diet to an extreme degree. Recognizing the limitations of relying on hotel food although navigating the World Cup circuit in Europe, Mancuso often traveled with a motor home – at one point utilizing a tour bus previously owned by Dolly Parton – to ensure access to nutritious meals. When a motor home wasn’t feasible, she carried a toaster oven to prepare healthier options. “I didn’t feel excellent at the end of a season if I wasn’t in control of my diet,” Mancuso told Fox News Digital. Now a mother of three residing between Fiji and Hawaii, she emphasizes the continued importance of these habits.
The emphasis on nutrition extends beyond competition seasons. Mancuso notes that even now, failing to adhere to a balanced diet impacts her cognitive function. “If I skip a meal or don’t secure the right macros, I feel it in my mind,” she explained.
The need for precise fueling isn’t limited to winter sports. Suni Lee, a gymnast competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, prioritizes a diet tailored to her specific health needs. Diagnosed with a kidney disease last year and managing a longtime battle with eczema, Lee focuses on a low-sodium diet to prevent flare-ups. “I like to eat pretty healthy because if I feel my best I know I can go out there and compete at my best,” Lee stated to CBS News. She emphasizes the importance of fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates for energy. Lee prefers lighter meals before practice, such as smoothies, to avoid feeling bloated, and follows up with salads, smoothies, or protein shakes afterward. Her approach to nutrition is described as “relaxed,” focusing on overall well-being rather than strict nutrient tracking. “It’s more relaxed for me,” Lee said. “I feel like if you just restrict yourself, you’re not having fun with it, and I don’t want to create an unhealthy relationship with food.”
These athletes’ experiences align with broader trends in Olympic nutrition. According to EatingWell, former gold medalists prioritize protein and balanced meals as key components of their daily routines. Olympic champions Apolo Ohno and Julia Mancuso have both publicly stated that prioritizing whole foods and protein were critical to maximizing strength, recovery, and results. The Olympics website notes that optimizing performance requires attention to both physical training and nutritional understanding, acknowledging that there is no single dietary approach suitable for all athletes.
