Athletes rally behind Peaty over Olympic village food complaints

TeamGB athletes have rallied behind swimmer Adam Peaty after he criticised the food quality in the Olympic village.

Peaty’s comments ignited a debate in Paris when he described the meals as unacceptable, even mentioning worms in the dishes.

Today, other TeamGB athletes echoed Peaty’s concerns about the food at Paris 2024, mentioning issues like raw poultry and comparing the meals to school dinners.

TeamGB hockey player Giselle Ansley, 32, from Devon, shared her experience: ‘The food in the Athletes’ Village has improved. Initially, it was terrible and insufficient. Turkey meat skewers were raw, which is dangerous. Popular dishes would run out, leaving athletes with limited options. After criticism, the situation improved. Initially, I’d score the food one-out-of-ten, now it’s five-out-of-ten.’

Shot-putter Scott Lincoln had a slightly more positive view but said: ‘It’s a lot like school dinners, which is expected with 15,000 people to cater for. I go to the grill section for chicken, turkey, or tuna, which suits my needs. There’s a good variety of dishes. I’ve had worse. I’d rate it six-and-a-half-out-of-ten.’

Sport Climber Lauren Mukheibir, 22, from South Africa, found the food ‘adequate.’ She noted: ‘My mother is a chef, so I’m used to good food. I prefer the salad bar with fresh produce and available protein. It’s not just pasta and rice, but the vegetarian options aren’t appealing. Some competitors have high expectations due to big sponsors, which I think is snobbish. I’d give the food six-and-a-half-out-of-ten.’

Others had a more favourable perspective. Canadian fencer Blake Broszus, 23, expressed satisfaction with the food quality and variety: ‘There are many food stations offering different cuisines – grilled meat and fish, vegetarian, salad bar, Asian food, pasta, and halal meals. I usually get pasta, meat skewers, and salad. I have no criticism of the food or facilities. I’d rate it seven-out-of-ten.’

Sprinter Milagros Duran, 23, from the Dominican Republic, was very happy with the food: ‘There is everything I need – chicken, beef, pork. It’s good. No complaints. I’d score it eight-out-of-ten.’

Modern Pentathlete Duilio Carrillo, 27, from Mexico, rated the food highly: ‘For me, the food in the Athletes Village is very good, delicious. I lack nothing. I’d give it ten-out-of-ten.’

Six-time Olympic medallist Peaty previously said the poor food quality could impact athletes’ performances. ‘The catering isn’t good enough for the level athletes are expected to perform,’ he told an interview. ‘In Tokyo and Rio, the food was incredible. This time, there weren’t enough protein options, long queues, and no proper queueing system.’