Paris Olympics athletes crave meat amid low-emissions menu

Paris Olympics athletes crave meat amid low-emissions menu. GETTY IMAGES

The Paris Olympics’ eco-friendly catering plans have hit a snag due to athletes’ high meat demands. At a June trial run, Games chief Tony Estanguet emphasised cutting the carbon footprint by offering more vegetarian meals, aiming to halve emissions per meal. Michelin-starred chefs were enlisted to assist Sodexo.

However, in the first few days, athletes in the Olympic Village, located in a deprived suburb north of Paris, requested more meat, eggs, and larger portions to fuel their intense training and competitions.

Honduran swimmer Julio Horrego, who consumes up to 5,000 calories daily, noted, “The only issue would be the food shortages.” He mentioned finding no eggs left when he arrived late for breakfast. Romanian rower Iulian Chelaru also pointed out, “We didn’t have enough meat, but now it’s solved.”

German swimmer Lucas Matzerath observed improvements, “At the start, there were not very big portions, but it’s improved now.” The village food hall offers meals from around the world, with half of the 50 daily dishes being fully vegetarian.

Athletes have opened up on the lack of meat in the Olympic Village. GETTY IMAGES
Athletes have opened up on the lack of meat in the Olympic Village. GETTY IMAGES

Canadian beach volleyball player Sophie Bukovec said, “Some athletes are big meat-eaters. They’re trying to sort it out. There is protein; you just have to know where to find it.”

They were certainly not the only athletes to voice concern over the meals in the village. American gymnastics star Simone Biles expressed disappointment with the 3,300-seat food court, which offers a range of global cuisines across six dining areas.

“It’s not proper French cuisine, like you guys might be eating because you’re outside the village,” she complained on Tuesday. Her teammate and gold medallist Hezly Rivera concurred, stating, “I definitely think French food is good, but what we are having in there I don’t think is the best. But it gets the job done.”

Paris 2024 have cut the carbon footprint by offering more vegetarian meals. GETTY IMAGES
Paris 2024 have cut the carbon footprint by offering more vegetarian meals. GETTY IMAGES

Sodexo has adjusted its menus accordingly which have been approved by national Olympic delegations.. “Eggs and grilled meat dishes have been in high demand, so volumes have been increased significantly,” a spokeswoman told AFP.

The Paris village is also unique for its lack of air conditioning, using a geo-thermal cooling and heating system instead. Some teams, like the US and Great Britain, have installed portable coolers, while others cope with fans amid high temperatures.

Italian beach volleyball player Marta Menegatti noted, “I suffer in the hot weather, but up until now, I’ve slept well with just a fan. AC would be better for recovery, though.”



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