Watching the Winter Olympics fills Dr. Victor Romano, an associate professor at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU), with an extra sense of pride. He has a personal connection to the Olympics and the Milan Cortina Games.
Before the 2026 Olympics started in Italy, Dr. Romano embraced a special opportunity to volunteer and support U.S. Olympians and Paralympians in the Team USA Welcome Experience in Milan. He assisted in the gear-up area by facilitating Ralph Lauren fittings (including for opening and closing ceremonies outfits), provided high-level customer service, and helped create a positive, energetic atmosphere.
“It was inspiring and energizing,” said Dr. Romano, who teaches in RMU’s Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD) program. “You feel the magnitude of the Olympics immediately through the organization, coordination, and shared sense of purpose.”
Dr. Romano, who also serves as RMU’s PhD concentration track director for Human and Sport Performance, shared insight into his most-recent Olympic opportunity in this Q&A. (Spoiler: It was a gold-medal experience.)
How did you get involved with this Olympic experience?
My involvement with the 2026 Winter Games grew from my long history working in high performance sport and supporting athletes connected with Team USA programs since 2008. Earlier in my career, I worked in sport performance roles with Olympic level athletes, including swimmers and track and field competitors competing internationally. That background kept me connected to the Team USA environment, and when the opportunity came to serve as a Team USA Welcome Experience Volunteer for the 2026 Winter Games, it felt like a meaningful way to continue contributing. This time my role focused on supporting the broader athlete and delegation experience.
What did you do while volunteering?
As part of the Team USA Welcome Experience, my role focused on supporting arriving athletes, staff, and delegation members and helping ensure they felt welcomed, oriented, and supported as they transitioned into the Games environment. While my earlier career roles were more directly related to performance, this position centered on the human side of elite sport, including logistics, hospitality, and creating a smooth entry experience during what can be an incredibly high stress time. One thing that really stood out was how much a calm and organized welcome can matter. Athletes arrive after years of preparation, and even small moments of reassurance or clarity can help them settle in and stay focused on competition.
How long did you volunteer and stay in Italy? Go anywhere else?
My volunteer commitment was tied to the days before the athletes arrived before the beginning of the Olympic Games, where the focus is on supporting Team USA members as they enter the Olympic environment. This role was event-based rather than an extended overseas assignment, but it was still an incredible opportunity to be part of the operational side of a global event and to contribute to the athlete experience in a meaningful way.
What was your experience like?
It was inspiring and energizing. You feel the magnitude of the Olympics immediately through the organization, coordination, and shared sense of purpose. Even in a volunteer capacity, everyone understands that their role contributes to the overall success of the athletes and the team. Having previously worked in sport performance roles, it was also meaningful to see the Games from a new perspective. It reinforced how many people and systems work behind the scenes to support athlete success
How is it watching the Olympics after that experience? Feel more connected?
I love watching the Olympic games with an appreciation for everything that happened behind the scenes, before athletes ever compete. I notice the preparation, the support staff, and the small details that most viewers never see. It makes the performances even more impressive because I understand how much work goes into simply getting to where they are
What’s your favorite Olympic sport to watch (or participate in)?
Skeleton, luge, and bobsled. There is nothing like flying down an ice track at incredible speeds with precision, courage, and total commitment. The sliding events capture all of that in a matter of seconds. They are equal parts athleticism and trust in your training, which makes them exciting to watch and deeply impressive from a performance perspective.
Any plans to volunteer again?
With the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Games coming to Utah, it is exciting to think about future ways I can contribute again.
Anything else you’d like to add?
The Olympics represent the highest level of athletic achievement, but they are also a powerful example of teamwork beyond the field of play. It truly takes a global support network to make the Games happen. I feel fortunate to have contributed to the Olympics in different ways throughout my career.
