Back to the Snow: A Special Return to the Winter Olympics in Italy

Recently, I had the privilege of travelling to Italy to attend the Winter Olympic Games — this time as a spectator rather than as part of the team.

Earlier in my career, I worked closely with the Australian Winter Olympic team, supporting athletes through the relentless preparation required to compete on the world stage. Returning to the Olympic environment brought a rush of memories and a deep sense of connection. It was incredibly special to reunite with friends, colleagues, and athletes I had once worked alongside, and to witness firsthand the results of years of hard work and sacrifice.

Watching athletes you’ve supported compete at the Olympics is a uniquely emotional experience. There is immense pride in seeing them step into the arena, knowing the unseen hours of training, recovery, setbacks, and resilience behind each performance.

Among the athletes I watched, the results were outstanding: two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. Each podium moment was a celebration not just of performance on the day, but of years of persistence and belief.

At the same time, elite sport is never just about medals. For some athletes, the Games did not unfold as they had hoped. Goals that had driven them for years remained just out of reach. Being there to witness those moments was equally powerful — a reminder of how fine the margins are at this level, and how much courage it takes to pursue something so demanding. The missed opportunities were felt deeply, not as personal regret, but as empathy for athletes who had invested so much in their Olympic dream.

Standing in the crowd, hearing the cheers, and feeling the collective energy reinforced why the Olympic environment is so special. Success and disappointment sit side by side, and both are part of the journey.

This trip was a meaningful reminder that high performance is about more than podiums. It’s about commitment, resilience, teamwork, and the willingness to chase ambitious goals — even when the outcome is uncertain.

It was a special experience to return in a different capacity, filled with pride for what was achieved and respect for the courage shown by every athlete who stepped onto that stage.