For many Olympic athletes, getting ready to compete is not just about strength, speed, or endurance.
When events take place high in the mountains, training the body to cope with thin air becomes just as important.
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, several venues will sit at high elevations in the Italian Alps, where oxygen levels are lower and even simple movement can feel exhausting.
At higher altitudes, the air pressure drops, which means each breath contains fewer oxygen molecules.
According to extreme medicine experts, the body has to work harder to make up for this shortage.
Breathing becomes faster and deeper, and the heart beats quicker to deliver enough oxygen to muscles and organs. For athletes who are not properly acclimatized, this can quickly lead to fatigue and reduced performance.
To prepare, many Olympic hopefuls train at altitude months before competition. Spending time in mountain environments allows the body to adapt. Over time, it produces more red blood cells, which carry oxygen in the blood, helping athletes perform better despite the thinner air. Some teams also use simulated altitude training rooms that mimic low-oxygen conditions while remaining at sea level.
However, altitude training comes with risks. If someone climbs too quickly without giving the body time to adjust, they can develop hypoxia, a condition caused by insufficient oxygen reaching tissues. Hypoxia can trigger inflammation and disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, sometimes leading to fluid buildup in dangerous places such as the lungs or brain.
The most common result of hypoxia is altitude sickness. Symptoms often resemble a hangover and include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, coordination can worsen, and people may become confused or unusually quiet. Medical teams and coaches are trained to watch for these subtle warning signs because they can appear before obvious symptoms develop.
Athletes also learn to manage their effort carefully at altitude. Even highly fit competitors must pace themselves, rest more, and focus on hydration and sleep. Experts say understanding how the body reacts to low oxygen helps athletes distinguish between normal training stress and signs of illness or overexertion.
History shows that altitude can affect even elite performers. At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, which were held more than 2,200 meters above sea level, several athletes struggled with the conditions. Some collapsed after races, while others reported illness during training. Fitness alone does not guarantee protection, and genetics may influence how well someone adapts.
Not all mountain regions pose the same challenge. Moderate elevations may cause only mild effects, while very high locations can significantly impact performance and recovery. As the next Winter Games approach, athletes and medical teams are working carefully to ensure competitors arrive ready for the unique demands of competing in thin air.
In the end, preparing for altitude is about teaching the body to do more with less oxygen. With the right training and precautions, Olympians can turn one of nature’s toughest conditions into just another part of the competition.
