In the picturesque lakeside town of Gavirate, northern Italy, Australia has established an unprecedented strategic advantage for winter sports excellence. The Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre, operational for nearly 15 years, has evolved into a comprehensive preparation hub for approximately 3,000 athletes annually traveling through Europe.
The facility addresses what director Fiona de Jong describes as ‘the tyranny of distance’ – the challenging 24-hour flight from Australia to Europe that previously hindered consistent high-level competition preparation. The center features state-of-the-art training facilities including a fully equipped gymnasium, recovery areas, and recreational spaces with pool tables, creating an optimal environment for both physical preparation and mental relaxation.
Upon arrival, athletes encounter unmistakable Australian symbolism: statues of kangaroos and emus adorned with national scarves greet visitors at the entrance, while interior spaces showcase abundant imagery of Australian landscapes alongside the nation’s signature green and gold colors. The culinary experience blends Italian cuisine with home comforts, featuring beloved Australian staples like Vegemite and specially imported coffee from Melbourne roasters – a particularly notable detail in the birthplace of espresso.
Alisa Camplin, Australia’s Olympic team chef de mission and dual Winter Olympic medalist, emphasizes the center’s significance: ‘This place is a haven on the other side of the world for us as Aussies. It’s like we’ve got a home away from home, a little sanctuary where we can prepare to be excellent.’
The location selection, made years before Milan-Cortina secured the 2026 Winter Olympics, has proven remarkably fortuitous. De Jong notes they evaluated sites in Spain and France before choosing Gavirate for its ideal climate, welcoming community, and exceptional cuisine. The town’s proximity to Milan’s international airports and its lakeside location provide particular benefits for equipment-intensive sports like rowing and canoeing.
Local integration has been remarkably successful, with Gavirate’s residents enthusiastically embracing their Australian guests. The town’s ice cream shop displays signed athletic jerseys, while pizzerias showcase Australian memorabilia. Mayor Massimo Parola proudly declares Gavirate can now ‘call itself an Olympic city.’
For athletes like aerial skier Danielle Scott, competing in her fourth Olympics, the center represents ‘the best of both worlds’ – offering both high-performance training facilities and the comforting familiarity of home amidst the pressures of elite international competition.