The only time we as the audience really see athletes is when they’re in the heat of competition.
But there are plenty of hours in the day when competitors at the Winter Olympics are left to their own devices.
Speaking to CNN Sports from Livigno, Team USA freestyle skier Birk Irving gave a rundown of how he spends his free time before heading to practice in the evening.
He arrived in Italy two days ago, ahead of his freeski halfpipe event, which starts with qualification on Thursday.
“We have an awesome spa,” he said, giving me a look into his life as an Olympian. “Yeah, it’s like the biggest spa I’ve ever seen in my whole life. It’s sick.
“And then I have a Nintendo Switch, so I’m playing Fortnite a lot. We just kind of hang out all day, go to the spa, and eat a lot, usually just like hanging out in the food court for hours at a time.
“The food has been pretty epic, I’m not gonna lie. Not to be bragging, but it’s pretty sweet.”
Irving finished fifth in his debut Olympics in Beijing four years ago and is hoping he can get on the podium this time around.
“I think as long as I come out of here knowing that I came and tried the hardest run that I could, then I think I’ll be happy,” he added.