July 23rd 2024.
The Paris Games have made a conscious effort to incorporate sustainable and plant-based options in the athletes' village. This marks a significant change from previous years, as McDonald's had been a long-time sponsor of the Olympics. However, their sponsorship deal ended in 2017, leading to a shift in the food options for athletes at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
For the past 41 years, McDonald's had been a consistent presence at the Olympic Village, providing athletes with their iconic Big Macs. In fact, they contributed up to $1 billion every four years to support the Games. However, with the end of their sponsorship, athletes will now have access to healthier and locally produced options, such as burgers and hot dogs.
Despite this change, some athletes still have a fondness for McDonald's and its food. Olympic legend Usain Bolt even joked that chicken nuggets were his secret to winning gold in 2012. However, the chefs at the village have taken great care in designing menus that not only taste good but also meet the nutritional needs of the athletes.
According to Wurz, the head of the village's catering team, the chefs have worked closely with sports nutritionists to create high-quality and nutritious meals. And while they may not be able to indulge in fast food at the main dining hall, there will be dedicated outlets for grab-and-go options, all made with 100% French meat and cooked in their own kitchens.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to the village and was impressed by the efforts made towards sustainable and plant-based options. In fact, the Games have made a commitment to providing more vegetarian options, with only plant-based nuggets available for athletes this summer. This may come as a shock to some, such as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who famously loves his chicken nuggets.
For the athletes, it's not just about the food being healthy and sustainable, but also about it being delicious and diverse. The catering team has taken into account the requests and preferences of different national teams. For example, Team GB athletes have asked for porridge, while Korean competitors have requested kimchi, and Chinese athletes have a taste for sticky rice.
In terms of overall meal requests, chicken skewers, salmon fillets, and margherita pizza have been among the most popular choices. And for breakfast, athletes can indulge in traditional French pastries like croissants and pains au chocolate. Plus, there will be a variety of 12 different cheeses to choose from, including well-known French cheeses like Comte and Brie de Meaux, as well as specific goat cheeses.
Wurz and his team have put a lot of thought and effort into creating a diverse and nutritious menu for the athletes. They hope that once the competition is over, the athletes can fully enjoy the best of French cuisine. And with over 13 million meals expected to be served throughout the Olympics and Paralympics, there will be plenty of opportunities for athletes to try new and delicious dishes.
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