From Snow to Clay: Aussie Olympians Try Their Hand at Pottery Before Milan 2026

Who would’ve thought Olympic champions could be art stars? From the slopes to the paintbrush, Team Australia’s Winter Olympic athletes brought the heat—and the heart—to a unique ceramic painting experience in Melbourne. 

In the lead-up to Milan Cortina 2026, this group of elite athletes swapped snow for creativity in a relaxing mobile art session. Rather than diving into clay or spinning wheels, the team focused on brushwork, detail, and colour. Every stroke offered a fresh way to unwind, explore self-expression, and bond as a team.

What was the workshop experience like for the Olympians?

Forget aprons and wheels in a studio—this ceramic painting session came to the athletes. The workshop was fully mobile, tailored to fit into their Melbourne training schedule without disruption. The setup was swift and seamless: tables transformed into painting stations, glazes and brushes lined up neatly, and ceramic pieces ready for colour.

Hands got dirty quickly. There were cheers, playful roasts, and loud “Bravissimi!” moments as creations took shape. The activity turned into a creative team-building triumph, full of focus and freedom.

No two creations looked the same. Some were clean and classic, others wobbly and wild—but every piece told a story. These Olympians didn’t just try pottery—they embodied it. 

Highlights of the mobile workshop:

• Athletes chose from mugs, tiles, and plates to paint
• The mobile format allowed for a relaxed, familiar setting
• Team members shared design ideas and encouraged each other

Inspired to try it yourself? Discover the joy of a beginner-friendly pottery workshop & courses—on-site or mobile.

Why this workshop was an honour to host

It’s not every day you help facilitate a pause in an Olympian’s preparation journey. This workshop, one of the standout Diana Ceramic events of the season, offered a refreshing moment of calm amidst tight performance schedules.

Thanks to seamless collaboration with @ausolympicteam, @deloitteaus, and @owi_aus, the workshop was thoughtfully timed and designed. Athletes were fully present from the moment brushes hit glaze, and their focus on design matched the intensity they bring to sport.

There were emotional touches, too. Some created personal tokens to gift loved ones. Others captured visual memories of their hometowns or training experiences. The art served as an expression of their identity, on and off the slopes.

Why it stood out:

• Athletes connected without needing performance pressure
• The mobile format kept things convenient and inclusive
• Painted keepsakes reflected individual meaning and pride

Want to understand the deeper impact? Learn more about the benefits of creative hobbies for mental health and stress relief.

Could these Olympians moonlight as ceramic artists?

They may be medal-bound, but several showed serious potential in art. This wasn’t a passive painting class—it turned into a thoughtful, expressive art session where details mattered.

Some designs used precise patterns and layered colours. Others explored symbols like the Southern Cross, snowboards, or Olympic flames. Despite the limited time, there was a real effort to craft meaningful works.

What became clear is that athletic and artistic mindsets often overlap. The patience needed to build a glaze base, the concentration to trace fine lines, the creativity to visualise a theme—all were second nature to these athletes.

What impressed us:

• Bold, symbolic work created from scratch
• Great focus despite being beginners
• Athletes supported each other’s ideas and techniques

For a deeper look at how art reveals personality, discover why ceramic pottery is a unique form of self-expression.

From snow to clay: See the magic for yourself

As the session wrapped, the tables became an art display. Each piece told a story—some funny, some nostalgic, all authentic. The collection included scenic landscapes, iconic Aussie animals, and abstract designs that pulsed with colour.

These weren’t perfect pieces. That wasn’t the point. They were honest, effort-filled, and made with care. More than anything, they reflected a team that took the time to do something different—and to do it together.

The showcase brought smiles and quiet pride. People posed with their works, gifted a few to teammates, and lingered in the moment a little longer.

What the final showcase revealed:

• Real commitment to creative effort
• Shared storytelling through shape and colour
• Laughter and learning from beginning to end

Looking to get started? Explore some hand-built pottery ideas for beginners and get inspired.

Final thoughts

This workshop offered a rare kind of win—the chance to be fully present. These athletes are trained to move fast, push hard, and keep going. But in this space, they slowed down. They created, reflected, and connected.

Moments like these don’t just balance the athlete’s life. They enhance it. And for a team preparing to represent Australia at Milan Cortina 2026, that balance may be one of the most powerful tools of all.

From everyone who supported and participated: thank you. It was a privilege to provide this experience, and a joy to witness what came from it.

And for anyone ready to paint their own story, you can explore more about Diana Ceramics’ approach to hands-on creativity.