LSU star gymnast slams weed food at Paris Olympics

LSU gymnast Aleah Finnegan will represent the Philippines at the Olympics in Paris this summer. She is coming off an individual and team national championship in April with hopes of a gold medal in the floor exercise.

Although Finnegan is happy to represent her mother’s country, the 21-year-old is a little disappointed with the food in the athletes’ village.

According to the International Olympic Committee, approximately 10,500 athletes will participate in the 2024 Games, excluding their coaches, support staff and team administrators.

It goes without saying that many people need to eat. The catering expects to serve up to 40,000 meals every dayboth in the dining room and in take-away containers.

There is not a lack of different food options during the Olympics!

The main canteen in the Olympic Village is open 24/7, which is great for athletes who want to compete and train outside of ‘normal’ meal times. Grab-and-go food is served from five different kiosks. There is also a separate smaller food court with French Michelin-starred chefs such as Amandine Chaignot.

Meals in the main dining room fall into four categories:

• France
  • Salted cod and mashed potatoes
  • Vegetable bourguignon
• Africa-Caribbean
  • Shakshuka stir fry with peppers and onions
• Asia
  • Minced pork with Thai basil and basmati rice
• World

40 different meals from each of the four regions are offered daily with fruit, dessert and lots of local French bread. Athletes also have access to a hot buffet, salad bar and separate grill.

80% of the food served is of French origin. 25% comes from 155 miles away from Paris. Pretty cool!

Finnegan recently toured the main Olympics cafeteria. While she was impressed by the variety of options, the LSU star was disappointed by the lack of condiments. It could be better, apparently.