The food at the Olympic Village in Paris has not been receiving rave reviews from a number of athletes. Sodexo Live!, the official food provider for the Games, is serving around 40,000 meals per day, but some competitors are finding the offerings less than satisfactory. US gymnast Simone Biles mentioned that the food inside the village is healthier but not quite up to par with traditional French cuisine. Other athletes such as Hezly Rivera have also shared their opinions, with Rivera stating that while French food is good, what they are receiving in the dining hall is not the best.
US rugby star Ilona Maher has also addressed some misconceptions about athletes’ diets, mentioning that they consume a lot of carbs to fuel their performance. While she did not comment on the quality of the food, other athletes like Raven “Hulk” Sanders have openly criticized the cuisine. Sanders expressed her disappointment with the food, as did American volleyball player Erik Shoji. Shoji mentioned that while some parts of his meal were good, others fell short of expectations. Despite the mixed reviews, some athletes like Lee Kiefer have found certain items in the meals to be highly enjoyable, such as the chicken tikka and curry beef she had in an “Asian dinner.”
Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen has dubbed himself the “Olympic Muffin Man” due to his love for the muffins in the Olympic Village. Christiansen has posted numerous videos praising the muffins, giving them high marks and expressing his fondness for the baked goods. His videos have garnered attention from viewers, who find his dedication to reviewing the muffins entertaining. Christiansen’s commitment to showcasing his love for the muffins has led to an increase in popularity among other athletes, with some joking about prioritizing muffins over regular meals.
Despite the criticisms and mixed reviews from athletes at the Olympic Village, some have enjoyed specific dishes, such as chocolate muffins or Asian-inspired meals. While the food quality may vary for different individuals, the importance of proper nutrition and sustenance for athletes participating in the Games cannot be understated. It remains to be seen how Sodexo Live! will address the feedback and whether any improvements or adjustments will be made to enhance the overall dining experience for the athletes. As the competition continues, athletes will have to rely on the available options in the Olympic Village to fuel their performances and strive for success in their respective events.
