Olympians are ready to say “bon appétit” as they gear up for the Paris Olympics, where French dishes like soufflés, croissants, crepes, foie gras, boeuf Bourguignon, and others await to tantalize their taste buds. With 15,000 competitors from around the globe set to grace the Olympic and Paralympic Village starting July 12, 2024, the City of Love is all geared up to cater to their culinary cravings.

But here’s a twist: in an ironic move, the French capital won’t be serving French fries! And while the Paris Olympics give McDonald’s a pass, let’s delve into what the history makers of sports will be munching on this year while reminiscing about how Usain Bolt powered through with 1,000 chicken nuggets for his protein fix in 2008.

The Paris Olympics say “au revoir” to fries and “bonjour” to Coke fountains

According to Le Monde, during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, nearly 15,000 competitors from across the globe will be treated to a culinary extravaganza at “the world’s largest restaurant” in the Olympic and Paralympic Village. This 3,500-seat eatery, open round-the-clock for the duration of the events, has been meticulously designed to cater to the nutritional needs and high expectations of athletes.

Over a marathon three-year period, 500 recipes were curated, strictly avoiding French fries and burgers, despite McDonald’s previous sponsorship ties. Although McDonald’s was once a sponsor, its partnership with the Olympic Games, dating back to 1976 in Montreal, ended abruptly in 2018.

Coca-Cola, however, remains a steadfast partner, with its array of beverages set to flow freely via fountains and dispensaries around the athlete village. Danone and Carrefour also join in, providing dairy products and fresh, locally sourced produce, respectively. The menu promises a diverse array of options, from salad bars and fruit stalls to cheese stands and grills, all organized into geographical themes to satisfy every palate.

A special tasting area featuring renowned chefs showcasing French gastronomy adds an extra layer of culinary delight for the athletic gourmands. Reflecting on McDonald’s absence from the list of sponsors, let’s recall how the brand attended to Usain Bolt’s protein needs during the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Usain Bolt fueled his Olympic appetite with 1,000 chicken nuggets

Back in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Bolt made history by snagging gold in both the 100 meters and 200 meters, a feat not seen since Carl Lewis did it in 1984. But what’s even more legendary? His pre-race meal choice was chicken nuggets. In an interview at the time, Bolt spilled the beans, or should we say nuggets, about his unconventional fueling strategy. Facing the unfamiliar Chinese cuisine, he found refuge in a familiar taste: McDonald’s. “It was like chicken nuggets. In China, the food was different. It was a big canteen and there were a lot of different cuisines, and I’m like, ‘yo, this is not gonna work.’ Then they had a McDonald’s set up nearby,” he shared.

Despite the raised eyebrows, Bolt chomped down around 1,000 of those golden bites during his 10-day Olympic village stay. But hey, it worked for him, bagging him two shiny gold Olympic medals in Beijing. So, while it might not sound like the healthiest choice, Bolt had his reasons: getting in that protein and treating himself to a little taste of home to power his Olympic dreams. As the treats await Olympians at the Paris Olympics, what’s your take on Usain Bolt’s 1,000-nugget indulgence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!