Olympic Athletes Reveal Simple Nutrition Habits for Peak Performance
- As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan and Cortina, athletes are showcasing not only years of rigorous training but also the often-overlooked foundation of peak performance: nutrition.
- Together, Ohno and Mancuso have earned 12 Olympic medals, and both emphasize that the nutritional principles that guided them to athletic achievement remain integral to their daily lives.
- Julia Mancuso, an alpine skier who competed in the Olympics between 2002 and 2014, took proactive measures to control her diet even before meal-prep services became commonplace.
As the Winter Olympics unfold in Milan and Cortina, athletes are showcasing not only years of rigorous training but also the often-overlooked foundation of peak performance: nutrition. Two of America’s most decorated Winter Olympians, Apolo Ohno and Julia Mancuso, are reflecting on the discipline required to reach the podium and the surprisingly simple food habits that fueled their success.
Together, Ohno and Mancuso have earned 12 Olympic medals, and both emphasize that the nutritional principles that guided them to athletic achievement remain integral to their daily lives. Their experiences highlight a shift in understanding – that consistent, mindful eating isn’t a temporary measure for competition, but a sustainable lifestyle component for overall well-being.
Julia Mancuso, an alpine skier who competed in the Olympics between and , took proactive measures to control her diet even before meal-prep services became commonplace. Recognizing the impact of food on her performance, she often navigated the World Cup circuit in Europe in a motor home, and even once utilized a tour bus previously owned by Dolly Parton, specifically to avoid the inconsistencies and often unhealthy options of hotel food. When a mobile kitchen wasn’t available, she’d pack a toaster oven to ensure access to more nutritious choices.
“I didn’t feel good at the end of a season if I wasn’t in control of my diet,” Mancuso told Fox News Digital. Now, as a mother of three living between Fiji and Hawaii, she finds these habits even more crucial. “If I skip a meal or don’t get the right macros, I feel it in my mind,” she explained, underscoring the direct link between nutrition and cognitive function.
Apolo Ohno, who competed in three Winter Olympics between and , echoes this sentiment. He notes that the importance of nutrition grew progressively throughout his speed skating career. “Early on, I could get away with a little bit more, because I was younger,” he said. “As I progressed throughout my career, nutrition became an ever more important priority. In my final Olympic Games, it was the foundation. It was a game changer.”
For a sport demanding precision like speed skating, Ohno emphasizes that proper fueling extends beyond simply providing energy. It’s about optimizing body composition, accelerating recovery, and sharpening mental acuity. “When your body and your brain are fueled appropriately, it’s incredible how easy it is to get into a flow,” he said. “How much better your decision-making process is, your sleep—everything just starts to compound—your mood, emotions, your energy.”
Despite no longer actively competing, both athletes maintain demanding schedules. Mancuso balances motherhood with speaking engagements and work in the outdoor industry, while Ohno is a bestselling author, advisor to major companies, and investor in performance-focused businesses. Their continued commitment to mindful eating reflects the enduring impact of these habits.
To that end, Ohno and Mancuso have partnered with the ready-to-eat meal service Factor on a limited-time “Gold Collection,” launching on . The meals are inspired by the dietary strategies they employed during their training. Mancuso’s selections prioritize endurance, focusing on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables to support sustained energy levels. Ohno’s picks emphasize strength and recovery, highlighting high-protein options combined with whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.
“I prioritize protein in the way that I eat today,” Ohno said. “That seems to be the easiest way for me to stay on track.”
Both athletes are keen to dispel the myth that elite athletes adhere to extremely restrictive or flawless diets. “It doesn’t have to be perfect,” Mancuso said. “It’s more about consistency.” Ohno agrees, particularly for those inspired by the Olympics to improve their own habits. “The easiest way to maintain a goal is by making it simple,” he said. “Don’t do too many things at once. Just focus on the nutrition. The rest will follow.”
The experiences of Ohno and Mancuso offer a valuable lesson: prioritizing nutrition isn’t just about achieving athletic greatness; it’s about building a foundation for sustained energy, mental clarity, and overall health, regardless of one’s competitive level.