Ah, the Summer Olympics. Every four years, Americans from all walks of life get to view the most prestigious athletes from the country absolutely *obliterate* other teams from around the world in gymnastics, swimming, rowing, and beyond. (Personally, my patriotism begins and ends during this short time period.) Of course, the tens of thousands of competitors, including U.S. athletes Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Ilona Maher need to fuel up while in the Olympic Village. The six dining areas across the village offer a range of cuisine from different corners of the globe ranging from dumplings and curries to breakfast sausage and an array of fresh French pastries and coffee. Plus, have you seen that viral double chocolate chip muffin? I get why Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen is obsessed with it. While some aspects of the dining options are a win, many complaints have arisen. Here’s what the athletes are saying the Paris 2024 Olympic Village food problems.
1. It’s mostly plant-based.
According to the official Paris Olympics 2024 website, the dining hall is offering “2 [times] more plant-based food on the plate for 2 [times] less CO2.” While this is great in theory, some athletes, including Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus, have noted that they are short on their protein intake, believing it to impact performance. In fact, per a report from The Telegraph, meat available in the Olympic Village had maximums in place during the first few days, including a limit of two lamb chops per person.
2. Some of the meat has been cooked poorly.
According to The Telegraph, Team Great Britain complained of undercooked chicken, prompting them to bring in their own chefs. However, Olympian swimmer Quah Jing Wen noted that she did not experience any undercooked food. Thankfully, it is not a sweeping issue across each meal and dining hall.
3. There was a reported food shortage.
On July 29, Reuters reported that egg rations were a primary complaint from Olympians. Though, Paris Olympics 2024 CEO Etienne Thobois said in a press conference that they would be making some “adjustments.” Thobois explained, “There has been a reinforcement in animal proteins with 700 kilos of eggs and a ton of meat (available) to meet the demands of the athletes, who we place at the heart of the Paris 2024 experience.”
This didn’t stop athletes from making some solid TikTok jokes. Swiss rower Célia Dupré posted a video saying, “Hyping myself up for the sprint to the Olympic dining hall before they run out of food.” The caption said, “Yes they ran out of food the other day…” OOPS!
4. The flavor is lacking.
During a press conference, Team USA gymnasts were asked if they liked French food. Simone Biles noted that the dining hall’s food isn’t traditional French and is “healthier” for athletes. Hezly Rivera added, “I don’t think it’s very good, at least what we’re having in the dining hall.” Plus, swimmer Quah Jing Wen said, “[The food is] lowkey lacking salt though.”
Overall, it is a challenge to feed more than 14,000 Olympians from around the globe, as well as management teams, onlookers, tourists, volunteers, and the like. Adjustments have been made. If nothing else, the Olympians will always be able to depend on those delicious double-chocolate muffins.