"I like my fish and people are finding worms in the fish" - Adam Peaty lashes out at "not good enough" conditions of Olympic Village at Paris 2024

The 33rd edition of the modern Olympiad, the Paris Olympics 2024, has come under scrutiny from fans and athletes for the subpar accommodations at the Olympics Village. British swimmer Adam Peaty is the newest addition to the list of athletes who have expressed their dissatisfaction, particularly with the poor quality of food being served at the village.

The Paris Games have faced criticism for several issues since the opening ceremony kicked off at the River Seine, where the Olympic flag was hoisted upside down. Following that, many athletes like Thomas Ceccon, the Italian swimmer who has won two medals at the games, have complained about the facilities at the Olympic Village. Ceccon was even spotted sleeping in a park due to the Village's allegedly inadequate air conditioning.

In addition to that, Peaty, the 100m breaststroke silver medalist at the Paris Games, has alleged that he found germs in his food, and has also criticized the organizers for not providing enough meat in the athletes' meals. Organizers have promised to make 60% of meals in the Village meat-free to help with sustainibilty.

Peaty said:

"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," as quoted by The New York Post.

Discussing the supply of meat at the Games Village, Peaty said:

"I want to eat meat, I need meat to perform and that’s what I eat at home, so why should I change?"

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Organizing Committee's response to Adam Peaty's complaints

Adam Peaty of Great Britain at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 [Source: Getty]

Apart from Peaty and Ceccon, other athletes such as Coco Gauff and Ariarne Titmus have also voiced concerns about the facilities at the Paris Olympics village. Reacting to Peaty and others' allegations, the organizers said they are considering feedback from the athletes and making necessary adjustments.

A spokesperson for the Paris Olympics organizing committee stated ( via WION News):

"We are listening to the athletes and take their feedback very seriously. Since the opening of the village, our partner Sodexo Live! has been working proactively to adapt supplies to the growing use of the Olympic Village restaurants, as well as to the actual consumption by athletes observed over the first few days."

He added that additional staff have been deployed at the village, and other resources are also being increased to ensure better facilities for athletes.