VIS Sports Dietitian Siobhan (Vorney) Crawshay, was one of three accredited sport dieticians spread across Livigno, Cortina and Predazzo, fueling the Australian Winter Olympic Team to success.
We know how Aussie Winter Olympians perform on the world stage, but what do they eat?
That’s where the ‘Ciao (Chow) Bellas’ come in.Each day starts with a run to local providers to prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options for the Aussies.
These meals supplement what is offered in the Olympic Village and are delivered to athletes staying outside the main Village or to cater for dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan or plant-based diets.
Protein-rich meals are cooked in giant saucepans which are then chilled in the snow (it’s quicker than the fridge). Meals are then portioned and delivered to groups of athletes each day. This week’s dinner menu includes chicken curry, penne bolognese, pulled pork wraps and bowls, chicken cacciatore and soup.
Toasties, wraps and paninis are also delivered to athletes and their support teams during training sessions and competition.
In a country bonded by food, it is fitting that food keeps bringing the Aussie Team together.
Stalker had spent her birthday alone for the past three years so to be together and have a birthday cake in the Aussie athlete lounge with the Team was pretty special.
“Vorney, Ali (Miles) and the team’s meals are a highlight of our competition,” said four-time Olympic snowboard cross rider Jarryd Hughes.
“It’s so nice to have someone cooking for us when we spend so much time travelling.”
The Ciao Bellas forage for local sources of protein, fresh berries, bread and dairy each day.
They shipped around 2300kg of food over including 2300 muesli bars, 280kg of cereals and oats, just under 600L of Up & Go’s and juice and 22kg of peanut butter.
“We say mi casa es su casa – my home is your home,” Crawshay said.
“We just want our athletes and officials to be happy and able to deliver their best performance.
“The smallest things can help and it’s our pleasure to serve the Team.”
It’s a mighty operation befitting a mighty Team.
