With so much energy going into racing there's not much time for romance at the Winter Olympics in Turin.
But athletes and fans were still finding ways to celebrate Valentine's Day on Tuesday with bunches of roses being presented to skiers, parties planned for the evening and trips to Italy's sweet spots for those who have already competed.
At the training run for the women's downhill, Austrian Michaela Dorfmeister walked out of the arrivals ring with three bouquets of flowers.
"The first one is from the chief of Atomic skis, the second one from Austrian television and the third one I don't know. It looks like some men are looking at me -- it's nice, a big compliment," she said.
Despite being in a country known for its romance -- even the policemen checking bags at the Olympics greet you with a flirty "Ciao, bella" -- there is not much time for long candlelit dinners at the Games, with some events going on until midnight.
American figure skaters Rena Inoue and John Baldwin were the lucky ones, finishing their event on February 13, just in time for Baldwin to whisk his partner on and off the ice to Venice for a holiday of love.
"Valentine's Day is going to be great. We're here in Italy, close enough to go to Venice for a couple of days. The rest is personal," Baldwin said.
Athletes' villages and hospitality houses set up by different countries were planning their own parties while bookstore Fnac was handing out free condoms in Turin.
But while fans party away, most athletes will probably follow the example of Chemmy Alcott, due to compete in the women's downhill on Wednesday.
"No boys in my room tonight," the British skier said. "I need to stay focussed."
