Do You Know the Olympic® Muffin Man?
The Olympic® Village in Paris has a lot of strange quirks from recyclable cardboard beds to rules prohibiting friends and family from entering the premises. But in 2024, it's also becoming famous for something rather unexpected — double chocolate muffins. These indulgent treats have captured the hearts and taste buds of Olympians, thanks to Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen.
Muffin Man: Origin Story
2024 Olympic athletes have been turning to TikTok to share their experiences in the Village, and one recurring theme has emerged: dissatisfaction with the dining hall's under-seasoned food and long lines. Amidst these grievances, Christiansen found a sweet spot in the dining hall's chocolate muffins. Christiansen's TikTok videos, featuring him devouring these muffins, have gone viral, with one video receiving over 2 million views. In these clips, the swimmer can be seen clutching multiple muffins, earning himself the playful moniker "Olympic Muffin Man."
Not Your Average Muffin
The allure of these muffins is not just in their taste but also in their size. According to Sodexo Live!, the company responsible for feeding the 15,000 athletes in the Village, these 130g "Maxi" muffins are filled and topped with chunks of dark and milk chocolate, presented in a tulip cup. This description alone has caused a buzz, both online and offline, with athletes consuming approximately 2,000 muffins daily. By the end of the Olympic and Paralympic® Games, Sodexo Live! expects to have served a staggering 100,000 muffins.
Other Athletes Join the Muffin Fun
Christiansen isn't the only athlete to succumb to the muffin mania. Other Olympians, including U.S. gymnast Aleah Finnegan, have shared their reactions to these viral treats on social media. The U.S. men's gymnastics team even posted a video the morning after winning their bronze medal, giving their thoughts on the muffins. The trend shows no signs of slowing down, with athletes and fans alike keen to try the so-called "life-changing" muffins.
Cookies Fight Back
Despite the muffins' dominance, they aren't the only sweet treat making waves in the Village. Jon Joentvedt, a 21-year-old Norwegian swimmer, has sparked a new trend with his TikTok videos championing a recently introduced dessert: cookies with milk chocolate and white chocolate chips. This has led to a friendly rivalry between the muffin and cookie camps, with athletes playfully accusing each other of being traitors when caught enjoying the competing dessert.
The Olympic Village dining experience, often criticized for its shortcomings, has found an unexpected star in its chocolate muffins. Thanks to Henrik Christiansen and his enthusiasm, these treats have become a symbol of joy and camaraderie amid the intensity of the Olympic Games®.
References: Paris Olympic Village rules: What are some the interesting facts around residing there? | TikTok Is Losing It Over The Most Unexpected 'Olympic Village Love Story' | The Olympic Village Is Serving 2,000 Chocolate Muffins Per Day Since the Treats Went Viral (Exclusive)
