There’s plenty of chatter about what the French are putting on for the world’s top athletes as they battle it out in the Paris Olympics, but everyone wants to take a bit of home with them when they travel. Here’s what Olympians from around the world are stashing in their suitcases at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Green, gold, and great coffee – Australian athletes are being kept well-caffeinated by a team of elite baristas alongside Weet-Bix, Milo, and Vegemite. There will also be 30 kilograms of salsa for Taco Tuesdays – non-alcoholic Coronas optional.
A familiar diet of Kericho Gold tea and ugali – a hearty and simple dough of cornmeal and water, similar to fufu – is keeping the Kenyans on track.
The US of A is all about the PB&J – shipments of peanut butter, pretzels, popcorn, jerky and protein shakes are the snacky staples for the Americans in the Village.
Oats. Ok.
As well as a huge stash of kimchi prepared on-site by the French Village chefs, the South Korean Olympians are bringing their own favourite ferments to fuel their fires.
Since 2003, Japanese athletes have been filling up on a balanced washoku (rice with fish, seaweed and vegetables) developed specially by the Ajinomoto food company. The team’s chef Ryuji Teshima has also requested teams have access to a lot of miso.
Just like the Australians with their coffee, the Chinese Olympians have flown in a number of their own chefs to prepare Szechuan specialties and dumplings.
The Jamaicans are keeping things spicy with access to plenty of jerk seasoning and a whole lotta green. Aloe vera-based drinks are high on the list for these athletes.
