Some Olympic athletes have integrated knitting into their routines as a strategy for mental well-being and to manage downtime during competitions, such as the Winter Games. This practice offers a relaxing activity that provides a break from constant phone use.
Athlete Perspectives
"Knitting serves as a productive outlet," indicated U.S. men's cross-country skier Ben Ogden, a two-time Olympic silver medalist.
He explained that athletes often demonstrate intense focus, which, while beneficial for training, can be taxing when fixating on negative outcomes. Knitting provides an alternative focus, redirecting obsessive tendencies productively.
Ogden adopted knitting after being inspired by fellow U.S. skier Luci Anderson, initially desiring logo-free clothing. He noted that several teammates, including Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern, also knit to relax. U.S. Alpine skier Breezy Johnson knits a new headband for each race, and U.S. snowboarder Maddie Mastro has shared her knitting projects for the Games.
Wider Adoption and Documented Benefits
Knitting among elite athletes is a recognized practice. Team Finland was noted for knitting during the 2018 Winter Games. British Olympic diver Tom Daley drew attention for knitting at the Tokyo 2021 games. Canadian biathlete Adam Runnalls posts his knitting projects alongside training content on social media.
Knitting fosters connection among teammates, offering a shared hobby and conversation topics beyond sports. Research indicates that the deliberate, repetitive action of knitting can lower blood pressure, alleviate symptoms of depression, and potentially support cognitive health. Ogden expressed a desire to keep the hobby non-competitive, emphasizing that competition can diminish the enjoyment of such activities. He intends to undertake a cable knit sweater project during the upcoming World Cup season.