Concerns Raised by UK Swimmer
British swimmer Adam Peaty has voiced serious concerns about the food quality at the Paris 2024 Olympics, claiming worms were found in the meals provided to athletes. Peaty, who won a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke, criticized the conditions in the Olympic Village, stating they are “just not good enough.”
Criticism of sustainable food choices
Peaty also criticized the organizers’ decision to make 60% of meals meat-free to promote sustainability, arguing it was detrimental to athletes’ performance.
“I want to eat meat, I need meat to perform and that’s what I eat at home, so why should I change?” the swimmer said while speaking to the outlet, in an interview which was published Tuesday (August 6).
“I like my fish and people are finding worms in the fish. It’s just not good enough. The standard, we’re looking at the best of the best in the world — and we’re feeding them not the best,” he added.
“The catering isn’t good enough for the level the athletes are expected to perform. We need to give the best we possibly can,” the swimmer said.
“Tokyo, the food was incredible, Rio was incredible. But this time around … there wasn’t enough protein options, long queues, waiting 30 minutes for food because there’s no queuing system,” he added.
Peaty compared the current conditions unfavorably to previous Olympics, noting that the food quality in Tokyo and Rio was excellent. He complained about long queues and insufficient protein options, which he believes affect athletes’ performance.
Official response from Paris 2024
In response, a Paris 2024 spokesperson assured that they are addressing the feedback from athletes. The organizing committee is working with their partner, Sodexo Live!, to improve food supplies and service efficiency. “We are listening to the athletes and take their feedback very seriously. Since the opening of the village, our partner Sodexo Live! has been working proactively to adapt supplies to the growing use of the Olympic Village restaurants, as well as to the actual consumption by athletes observed over the first few days.”