The secret ingredient turbo-charging Australia’s Olympics team revealed: Household favourite to be dished out to stars at Athletes’ Village in Paris
- Vegemite will be available to Australian athletes in Paris
- About 460 athletes will participate in the Games
- Three baristas will also be present in the Athletes Village
Olympians representing Australia in Paris will be provided with Vegemite spread and three baristas in an effort to maximize performance.
The unveiling was made by Anna Meares, the team’s Chef de Mission for the Games, with around 460 Aussies expected to represent their country in Paris.
Meares says these athletes will receive a high level of support in the Athletes Village, with the comforts of home made available.
The stars will be treated to a dedicated gym, as well as exclusive access to a pantry of delicacies including the yeast paste synonymous with the nation, plus a ready-made supply of coffee.
Australia also installs air conditioning units in each bedroom, but organizers are unable to provide these for sustainability reasons.
The Australian Olympians will be treated to a taste of home during the Games
About 460 athletes will travel from Australia to Paris for the big event
“Ultimately, we and the organizing committee have our own sustainability objectives,” said the former cyclist.
‘It is a measure that we believe should provide our athletes with performance.’
The Aussies will also provide protective treatment to those competing in the waters of the Seine in Paris, leaving the final decision on whether to take the plunge up to the athletes.
The French have pledged to clear the Paris waterway sufficiently of pollutants to safely host the marathon swimming and triathlon swimming portions of the Games.
Meares says she has confidence in organizers to tackle the issue of water safety.
The Australian Olympic team will offer Vegemite spread to its athletes
‘We are not supposed to intervene to say ‘we won’t let you swim’. Ultimately it is the athlete’s choice,” Meares explains.
“We are not going to put any athlete in an environment that will compromise their well-being, that information will be given to them and that choice will ultimately be theirs.
“Try standing in front of an Olympian who has trained all his life when he gets the chance to swim and… tell him ‘no.’ It’s not going to happen.’
