This article takes an intimate look at the home lives of various Winter Olympians, showcasing how they design their personal spaces to support both their intense athletic careers and their personal well-being. It delves into the diverse living arrangements, from shared apartments near training facilities to cherished family homes, revealing the personal touches and routines that help these champions prepare for competition and find respite.Beyond the Arena: The Unseen Worlds of Olympic Competitors
Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey: Teammates and Roommates Off the Ice
Laila Edwards, 22, and Caroline Harvey, 23, two accomplished ice hockey players, exemplify a life fully dedicated to their sport. Their daily routine revolves around hockey, extending beyond the rink to their shared two-bedroom apartment within walking distance of their training facility at the University of Wisconsin. Despite their demanding schedules as college seniors, they find time to cook and work out, prioritizing functionality over elaborate decor. Their apartment, which they humorously describe as a "frat house," is a testament to their focus on their athletic pursuits, with bright red Wisconsin Badgers jerseys proudly displayed. Their decade-long friendship, solidified through shared experiences in elite hockey programs, makes cohabitation a natural fit, providing mutual support and understanding in their Olympic journey.
Ben Ogden: Finding Solace in Vermont's Rural Landscape
Cross-country skier Ben Ogden, 25, frequently travels for training and competitions in the European Alps, but his true sanctuary is his family home in Landgrove, Vermont. His childhood residence, nestled on a sprawling 50-acre property, offers him unlimited space for exploration and training, allowing him to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. The passing of his father, John, in 2023, brought a poignant dimension to his connection with the home. John, a craftsman, had built a significant portion of the house and barn, and his workshop has become a "sentimental zone" for Ben. Engaging in projects like restoring his 1973 Land Rover in the workshop provides a valuable outlet and a way to honor his father's legacy, balancing the rigors of his professional skiing career with personal fulfillment.
Evan Bates and Madison Chock: A Harmonious Partnership On and Off the Ice
Ice dancing champions Evan Bates, 36, and Madison Chock, 33, navigate a unique dynamic as partners both in their sport and in their marriage. Their three-bedroom, two-bathroom rental in Montreal, their second Canadian residence since moving from Michigan seven years ago to train with their coaches in Quebec, is evolving into their shared home. Despite the challenges of being far from family, they've embraced "adulting" and are meticulously curating their living space with meaningful items, such as a vintage Shinola record player inherited from Bates's grandfather. Their apartment doubles as an occasional practice space, with dance rehearsals sometimes unfolding in their kitchen. However, their primary goal is to create a peaceful sanctuary where they can unwind after grueling training sessions, cherishing their roles as "homebodies" alongside their toy poodles, Stella and Henry. They envision building a custom home in the United States in the future, closer to their families, while holding onto fond memories of Montreal.
Zach Miller: Speed, Family, and a Mountain View in Utah
Para-snowboarder Zach Miller, 26, finds his Salt Lake City home to be a deeply personal reflection of his identity and journey. His four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is dominated by a garage filled with mountain bikes, motorcycles, his 2025 Toyota GR Supra, and a snowboard tuning bench, all testaments to his "speed problem" and competitive spirit, fueled by his experience growing up with left hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A tapestry in his garage, proclaiming "We do this not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy," serves as a constant reminder of life's perfectly imperfect nature. His new Supra symbolizes the profound impact of Mike, the man who stepped in as his father figure, making his house a true home. With his late grandmother's paintings and grandfather's dining chairs, the house is rich with family history, creating a "cozy cabin lodge" aesthetic that includes a year-round Christmas tree. The stunning mountain view from his bedroom window sealed his decision to settle there, reaffirming his deep connection to the sport and the place that brings him joy.
Bea Kim: Embracing Family and New Beginnings in California
For 19-year-old snowboarder Bea Kim, her parents' home in Palos Verdes, California, serves as a vital anchor amidst her demanding schedule of training and competitions across the globe. Despite her rising career, her family home provides a comforting space where she can simply "be chill" and enjoy the small comforts of everyday life. Her parents, Kathy and Drew, along with her younger brother, Walter, have cultivated an open and welcoming environment for family and friends. Kim's journey into snowboarding, initially a fun family activity, escalated into an Olympic dream after witnessing Chloe Kim (a fellow Californian snowboarder) win gold at PyeongChang 2018. As she prepares for her first Olympic Games and anticipates attending Columbia University in New York City, Kim maintains a "controlled chaos" aesthetic in her room, reflecting her belief that snowboarding is a cherished part of her life, but not her entire identity. She looks forward to new adventures, though the logistics of moving her extensive wardrobe to a college dorm remain a humorous challenge.
