Adam Peaty has had a rough time of the Paris Olympics – despite still coming away with yet another medal – having already contracted Covid, and the swimmer has now shed light on the shocking state of the food on offer to the athletes.
Peaty was billed as one of Team GB‘s biggest medal hopes heading into Paris 2024, however only finished second in the 100m breaststroke event that he has been nigh on invincible in for years.
After missing out by two hundredths of a second he admitted in his post-race interview that he had been struggling with soreness in his throat, and lo and behold he tested positive for Covid the following day.
After shaking off the virus to an extent that he was able to compete in the men’s 4x100m medley relay at the weekend, he was then dealt another blow with Team GB finishing fourth, and he is still thought to be on a a potent cocktail of antibiotics.
However, he has since lifted the lid on the allegedly shocking nature of catering in Paris, claiming that there were even ‘worms in the fish’.
Adam Peaty has lifted the lid on the state of the food on offer to athletes at the Olympic Village
He admitted that there were some athletes finding ‘worms in the fish’ at the Paris facility
‘The catering isn’t good enough for the level the athletes are expected to perform. We need to give the best we possibly can,’ he told the i paper.
‘Tokyo, the food was incredible, Rio was incredible. But this time around […] there wasn’t enough protein options, long queues, waiting 30 minutes for food because there’s no queuing system.’
He added: ‘The narrative of sustainability has just been punished on the athletes. I want to eat meat, I need meat to perform and that’s what I eat at home, so why should I change?’ Peaty adds.
‘I like my fish and people are finding worms in the fish. It’s just not good enough.
‘The standard, we’re looking at the best of the best in the world, and we’re feeding them not the best.
‘I just want people to get better at their roles and jobs. And I think that’s what the athletes are the best sounding board for.’
There has been a drive towards sustainability at the Games, which is surely a positive given the increasing carbon footprint of global sport, yet the one drawback would appear to be the impact that is having on athletes’ nutrition.
A spokesperson for the Paris Olympics claimed that their partners have been working hard to ‘adapt supplies’ to the Olympic Village, with additional staff reportedly being employed in order to help the service run smoothly.
The food on offer has come in for scrutiny, with Peaty also suggesting that the ‘best in the world’ are not getting similar standards of catering
Peaty is one the growing number of athletes who has sought to break down stigma related to mental health, previously revealing his own struggles that saw him briefly step away from swimming.
He made his return to the sport ahead of the Olympics and ensured his spot on Team GB’s roster for the Games, but following the men’s 4x100m medley relay he once admitted that he would once more be taking a step back.
‘I think have got to step away from the sport because it has just hurt too much this time, it really has,’ said Peaty.
‘Tomorrow is never promised, so why worry? If my heart wants it, my heart wants it, and I will absolutely sign that contract with myself to do it. But that may be a long way away.
‘It could have been my last swim here.
Peaty will be taking a step back from swimming after the Olympics but has left the door open to LA 2028
Peaty finished fourth in the men’s 4x100m medley relay event after recovering from Covid
‘Mel (Marshall, Peaty’s long-standing coach) has got an incredible future ahead of her in Australia and the right talent will head her way. I don’t know what the answer is.’
He has however qualified those doubts over his future, admitting to the i that he would still leave the door open to LA 2028, and make a call in ‘two years’ time’ over whether participation at another Games is ‘achievable’.
