Being an Olympic athlete requires long hours of training, travelling far from home to compete, and staying fully focused on the competition.

But Olympians aren’t ultra-serious athletic machines who need nothing but fuelling food and the thrill of winning to survive. They’re people, just like the rest of us, who rely on a few comforts from home to get them through the challenge.

So what do Olympians bring with them to compete? Do they have lucky pairs of underwear? High-tech bandages for blisters? Multiple books on dealing with missing out on the gold by just a few milliseconds?

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The people from loveholidays.com found out, asking past British medalists who’ve competed in previous Olympic games what they packed in their suitcases when they headed off.

The results are pretty surprising, if only because we would have never guessed that Jaffa Cakes could be part of an Olympian diet.

Gail Emms

Chocolate, Advertising, Dessert, Paper, Publication, Paper product, Sweetness, Confectionery, pinterest


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Gail Emms competed in women’s badminton in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008). Her packing list included English tea bags (essential), DVD box sets to stay entertained between events, a pack of cards and poker chips, face cream, and Jaffa Cakes.

Ian Hallam

Single-lens reflex camera, Lens, Film camera, Digital camera, Point-and-shoot camera, Camera, Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, Camera lens, Reflex camera, Camera accessory, pinterest


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Cyclist Ian Hallam was in the middle of studying dentistry when he competed in the 1962 games in Mexico.

He packed his Gray’s Anatomy and Restorative Dentistry books, - so he wouldn’t fall behind in classes – Vick’s Vaporub, his lucky white socks, rolls of tape to cover his handlebars, and a camera (although he said he hardly took any photos while he was there).

Donna Fraser

Dress shoe, Natural material, Synthetic rubber, Kitchen utensil, Leather, pinterest


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When runner Donna Fraser competed in the Sydney Olympics in 2008, she made sure to take running spikes made by her sponsor, hair clips, good luck cards from her sister and her coach, Oakley sunglasses, and Wine Gums. The red and black ones are her favourite.

Mick Bennett

Toy, Stuffed toy, Plush, Teddy bear, Costume accessory, pinterest


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When Mick Bennett competed back in the 70s, competitors had to bring their own equipment. So his suitcase was filled with a bike, cycle shorts, and tyres, along with his diary, a teddy bear, and a photo of his mum.

Robin Croker

Brown, Carmine, Bag, Tan, Maroon, Leather, Everyday carry, Tool, Walking shoe, Pocket, pinterest


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Cyclist Robin Croker brought along his trusty suitcase (covered in stickers from his travels), packed with his leather racing shoes, a green address book, and a watch.

We wonder what Olympians brought along this year?

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By Ellen Scott

(Main image: Getty)