The Olympics are about to kick off, but already there’s a significant issue casting a shadow over the Games: the food at the Olympic Village.
According to The Times of London, the quality and quantity of food being served to athletes have been far from satisfactory. British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson reported that there have been shortages of essential items like chicken, eggs, and certain carbohydrates. Some of the meat served was even undercooked.
“They have got to improve it over the next couple of days dramatically,” Anson emphasized. Due to these issues, the British team had to dispatch an additional chef to France to cater to their athletes at a performance lodge in Cichy, as an alternative to the main Village in Paris.
Sodexo Live, the official food provider for the 2024 Games, acknowledged the complaints and assured that improvements were on the way.
A spokesperson stated that they “take very seriously” the feedback and are “working to increase our supplies to the restaurants in the athletes’ village.” They noted that the supply of top lean items like grilled meats and eggs had been increased.
One athlete suggested that the push for more environmentally sustainable food options, with an emphasis on plant-based meals, might be contributing to the problem. “They are saying the Games are more sustainable and there is way more plant-based food but sometimes if you go at peak times it’s challenging to even get a piece of chicken,” the athlete shared.
The food issue is just one of several controversies surrounding the early days of the Paris Olympics. The head coach of the Canadian women’s soccer team was removed following accusations of spying on a New Zealand practice.
Additionally, there are concerns about the cleanliness of the Seine River, which will host longer-distance swimming competitions. Some prominent American swimmers have also raised doubts about whether all athletes in their events will be properly tested for performance-enhancing drugs.
With action having already started on Wednesday and the opening ceremony scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Olympic organizers have a lot on their plate.
