If theres a heaven, it would be like the Olympic dining hall.

In 2018, I competed in the Winter Olympics.

1.We get free clothes and luggage, all in one countrys color scheme.

Hungarian athletes march at a sports event, led by a flag bearer holding Hungary’s flag. Participants wear winter sportswear with green hats and wave small flags

2.We get to know 15 people pretty well.

3.If theres a heaven, it would be like the Olympic dining hall.

4.Apart from medals, pins are the most valuable currency at the Olympic Village.

Elizabeth Swaney with the Monaco bobsled team in the Olympic Village dining hall of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang

5.The tent/waiting area before the Opening Ceremonies is a cool hang-out place.

6.Were given a cool bed with stuffedanimals.

7.Condoms are more plentiful than medals.

Article image

8.Everyone receives a free phone.

9.Countries share coaches.

10.Theres a town center with a hair salon, nail salon, souvenir shop, and more.

Mascot Soohorang at PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics poses with Elizabeth Swaney and two Hungarian Olympic teammates in winter jackets and hats holding flags. Other athletes and countries are in the background.

11.Athletes can receive free dental and medical care.

12.Athletes can be drug tested at anytime.

13.Sometimes more than one Olympic Village exists at the same Olympics.

Three packaged condoms in yellow, purple, and red wrappers arranged in a triangle

14.There are lots of activities to do at the Olympic Village.

15.Anything can happen to anyone, and I surprisingly rocketed to a few weeks of fame.

16.The Olympics can be for anyone, one is never too old.

Allen Blackwell, Elizabeth Swaney, and Nicholas Vienneau, skeleton and new ski coaches, stand in front of a "Welcome! PyeongChang 2018" banner, with Elizabeth holding an Olympic bib

17.And finally, after the Olympics, life is never normal again.

An illustration of a syringe with a black drop on the left and a red drop on the right

Group photo of people at an event wearing various festive accessories and costumes, like glasses and hats. The image features five unnamed individuals

Elizabeth is wearing her Hungarian team jacket and is being interviewed on the TODAY show. She is smiling and looking forward

People walking near the Eiffel Tower adorned with Olympic rings on a sunny day in Paris

Elizabeth in ski gear with a helmet and goggles stands in front of a snowy slope at PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics