RIO 2016: The pressure athletes feel before a performance is immense.

So the Australian Olympic Committee has created a place, outside the buzz of the Athletes’ Village, away from the bustling streets of Rio, where athletes can relax.

The Edge is a place where athletes are able to spend time with family, friends and significant others.

And it’s an Australian Olympic Team first.

Located about 30 minutes away from the Village (depending on Rio traffic), within the confines of a gated community, the function centre has been transformed into a green and golden paradise where athletes are reunited with their biggest fans – those who have supported them from the beginning.

At the entrance, large yellow banners and palm trees line the pathway and you’re greeted by a large emu and kangaroo statue, so you know you’re in the right place.

It’s an oasis.

Inside, the mood is upbeat and relaxed.  It’s a space where athletes can escape the spotlight and be themselves; without the pressure to perform.

Today it’s the Australian women’s hockey team catching up with loved ones.

One of those is midfielder Casey Sablowski (nee Eastham).  It’s her third Olympics.

 “It’s an awesome experience here,” smiled Sablowski.

“We’ve got the opportunity to spend some time with our family and friends which is great.  Obviously it’s really hard being away from them for such a long period of time.  We’ve been on tour now for about two and half weeks – that’s actually not so long for us.”

And with Aussies everywhere, you’d swear you were back home – aside from the little monkeys (marmosets, perhaps) scampering along the outdoor walls lining the compound.

And it seems to be a real home away from home (and the only place to get a decent coffee). Australian baristas are serving coffee from real coffee machines and the place is well-stocked with Vegemite (there’s only Nutella available in the supermarkets in Rio) and that oh-so-familiar purple packaging of Cadbury chocolate (which trumps the local stuff any day).  Combine that with the friendly caterers cooking pasta on demand and a smorgasbord of fresh salads and fruit, and it’s no wonder the place is a hit.

“The hospitality here is great; the venue is great,” added Sablowski.

“We’ve been able to do our recovery pool session. We’ve grabbed a bite to eat and we’re now just going to spend some time relaxing with family and friends.”

It’s an open, airy space with the feel of a giant café.  Families catching up over a meal or in the lounge area.

TVs are in each area so athletes and their families can cheer on their fellow Aussies competing.

Adjacent to the communal area a family deliberates the next move on a giant outdoor chess board.

Inside the Team members’ only area, a collage of colouring-in and mantras from school kids back home line the walls.

There are pools, sports fields and board games like Monopoly, Scrabble and Twister (perhaps to maintain the athletes’ flexibility).

As the athletes walk in their faces light up before taking to the table tennis table.

The golf simulator is also proving popular with the athletes.

And as you’d expect, they’re fiercely competitive.

It is here they share their stories; the trials and tribulations.  They are positive; bound by the green and gold uniforms.

Sophie Onikul
olympics.com.au