In the heart of the Olympic Village during the Winter Olympics 2026, figure skaters are not just mastering their routines; they’re also taking on a unique responsibility—caring for emotional support plants. These plants have become symbols of comfort as athletes navigate the challenges and pressures of competition.
The groundbreaking initiative by the Corona Cero Stress Plant Shop allows athletes to adopt plants, giving them whimsical names to match their personalities and staying aspirations. Each plant nurtured during their stay will be left behind to enrich the local community in Milan.
While athletes like Great Britain’s James Hernandez find joy in their process, not all plants boast a thriving status. “My roommate’s plant, Gary, has seen better days,” Hernandez lamented, claiming that their essential oil diffuser might have been a bit too effective.
Meanwhile, Canadian ice dancer Marjorie Lajoie named her plant Olympia, proudly admitting her struggles with plant care, but pointing out her commitment to devoting time now that her competitions concluded.
On the other hand, Lithuania’s Saulius Ambrulevicius took a more laid-back approach with his plant, named Dude. “I water him every two days, and he seems to be doing just fine,” he stated. The varying levels of commitment among athletes highlight the true personality of figure skating culture, characterized by humorous stories and lighthearted competition.
In a playful twist, Canada’s Madeline Schizas cleverly named her plant Ilya Rozanov, hoping for a touch of celebrity magic should the actor from her favourite show make an appearance. This fixture of home simplicity aims to bridge distances of over 16,500 kilometers, as reflected by Australia’s Holly Harris, who opted for the name Milo, connecting her locale with Australian culture.
Despite the ambivalence surrounding plant parenting, certain skaters opted out to concentrate on their performance, like Emilea Zingas. However, with competitions behind them, the allure of nurturing a green companion might beckon. Meanwhile, Vadym Kolesnik remains hesitant, concerned that a plant would remind him of his cherished dog.
Countless athletes may be aiming for the podium, but in the village, their emotional journeys intertwine through the life and care of their newfound green companions.
