Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt notoriously ate only chicken nuggets during the Beijing games. He’s not alone in unconventional dietary choices. Swimmer Michael Phelps consumed a staggering 10,000 calories a day to fuel his races, while Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, prioritizes protein and fiber, opting for fish, vegetables, and rice.
As millions flock to Paris for the eagerly awaited 2024 Summer Olympic Games , France is set to serve 15,000 athletes over the eight-week event, offering everything from sandwiches to buffets and gourmet dining experiences. Sodexo Live! , partner of the Paris Olympic Games, has meticulously planned 500 recipes over the last two years focusing on developing menus, creating recipes, and sourcing the best high-quality ingredients from across France. This includes 3 million bananas, 20 tons of coffee, and for the first time ever, over 47,000 reusable plates.
At the heart of this culinary operation is the Athletes’ Village, which will transform into a 1,200 table, around-the-clock eatery—literally becoming the world’s largest restaurant. Here, Olympians will have the chance to indulge in French delicacies alongside a variety of international cuisines, with an unprecedented 30% of the meals being plant-based , according to Sodexo Live!. “Plant-based food is not only great tasting and flavorful, it’s also great for the environment, and we are helping to reduce the carbon footprint by two-fold,” Sodexo Li.
