Paris Olympic organizers said Monday (29/7) that they had fixed initial logistical problems, after some delegates complained about food and transportation.
The quality and quantity of food has drawn criticism from athletes after catering staff restricted eggs for breakfast last week.
Organizers have promised fresh produce, much of it produced in France, with a focus on local and organic produce, and more vegetarian options. But some have called for more meat-based menus.
Using more than 600 tonnes of fresh produce provided by Carrefour, catering company Sodexo is expected to be able to provide around 40,000 meals a day, for the 15,000 athletes in the Olympic Dormitory.
“Regarding food, we have had to make some adjustments, which is normal in an operation of this size,” Paris 2024 CEO Etienne Thobois told a press conference.
“There has been an increase in animal protein with 700 kilograms of eggs and one tonne of meat available to meet the demand of the athletes, which we are placing in the Paris 2024 experience centre,” he added.
Six South Korean swimmers preparing for the Olympics moved out of the athletes' dormitory on Friday (July 26) to stay at a hotel near their competition venue, the sport's top national official said.
This was the response of the Korean Swimming Federation after two swimmers, Kim Woo-min and Hwang Sun-woo, complained about a long, hot bus ride the previous day.
“At the beginning of the event, we had some problems with the transportation of athletes, especially before the Games started,” Thobois said.
“We have taken action since then by providing spare buses to serve the athletes in the best possible way and I think this system is now operating perfectly,” he continued.
The Australian contingent, with 460 athletes, came well prepared, bringing more than three tonnes of tuna, 10,000 muesli bars and 2,400 meat pies, as well as three baristas who planned to make more than 20,000 cups of coffee during the Games.
However, they were happy with the experience in the athletes' dormitory.
“This is a high-quality hostel,” said the Australian Olympic Committee (Australian Olympic Comittee/AOC) in a statement on Monday.
“Initial issues with transport have been resolved and the food is varied and plentiful after some initial shortcomings. Numbers have been increased and staff have been added. Every time AOC provides feedback, changes are made. Our accommodation is centrally located in the dormitory complex, with easy access to all the main services in the dormitory, including the dining area,” AOC added. (na/lt)
