Paris Olympic Games face backlash over poor athlete meals

Participants of this year’s Olympic Games eagerly anticipated culinary delights at the catering points. This is hardly surprising, as Paris is regarded as the capital of chefs and exquisite cuisine. It is disappointing to hear reports that the Paris Olympic Games are providing poor and scant food.

Every four years, millions of people sit in the stands and in front of their televisions. Although they may be divided by religion, skin colour or political views, they are united by sports patriotism, which comes to life during the Olympic games. For many athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their skills, and the medal is the most important award in their entire career. Most of them spend hundreds of hours training, receiving massages, and following strict diets to reach peak form and snatch one of the three coveted medals. Every four years, the organisers of the Olympics go to great lengths to meet all the demands of sporting stars. Sometimes, however, these efforts are not enough.

The organisers of the Olympic Games in Paris highly praised the food served to athletes. They assured that 80 per cent of the meals consist of French products, and 30 per cent of the food is organic. One quarter of the food is sourced from within 160 miles. Additionally, 33 per cent of hot dishes are made from plant-based products. However, these promises do not match the athletes' opinions. The newspaper "Le Figaro" interviewed representatives of different sports. They all pointed to one significant issue: the quality and quantity of the food.

Honduran swimmer Julio Horrego, who consumes about 5,000 calories daily, said: "The only problem is the lack of food; it's a bit surprising." He pointed out the absence of eggs in the breakfast menu. American gymnast Simone Biles added: "I don't think we are served French cuisine in the village."

Problems with the catering team's menu have forced British athletes to ask the team’s chef for help. The chef flew to the base in Clichy to ensure that athletes had access to eggs and properly cooked chicken, which the British athletes had previously complained about.

The catering company handling the Olympic Games assured the newspaper "Le Figaro" that it has replenished shortages, stating that "all products are available in sufficient quantities," and that it is "in constant contact with the delegations".

Source: "PAP"