(ATR) Winter Olympians Pernilla Wiberg and Shiva Keshavan were the headliners for the World Olympians Association lunch at the most exclusive venue in Sochi.
Wiberg of Sweden won two gold medals in alpine skiing. Keshavan of India is a five-time Olympian and the first Indian to compete in luge.
The two were part of a panel moderated by WOA chief executive Mike Miller about being Winter Olympians.
Perhaps the most exclusive venue at the Olympics, the Olympic Club is the IOC’s hospitality venue. The three-story building is located next to Fisht Stadium.
Around 100 guests packed into the top floor to hear the two Olympians speak. Pumpkin soup, pasta, veal, and a variety of salads were served. Sommeliers with tastevins were quick to fill glasses with either white or red wine. The staff knew which wine to pour depending on the diner’s food choice.
In attendancewere Olympians and IOC members past and present, including Ivan Dibos of Peru, Anita DeFrantz of the U.S., and Chiharu Igaya of Japan. IOC marketing director Timo Lumme, Olympic marketing guru Rob Prazmark, and officials from TOP Sponsors dined at the Club as well.
Olympic Club is an invitation-only venue with three levels of access: gold, silver, and bronze. Staff patrol the building vigilantly to ensure only those with proper accreditation are present.
Written by Ed Hula III
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