The Excitement of Selection
Olympic Athlete: Being selected for the Olympics is a thrilling moment. The BOA emails you to confirm your selection, followed by a formal letter on Team GB-headed paper welcoming you to the team.
Preparing for the Games
After selection, the next few months involve mandatory workshops on anti-doping, media training, and logistics briefings. Training intensifies, with athletes dedicating four to six hours daily to hone their skills for the upcoming Games.
The Excitement of Kitting-Out Day
The kitting-out day is an unforgettable experience. Held at the NEC in Birmingham, athletes enter a massive hall transformed into an Adidas showroom. Personal shoppers assist in trying on all the gear, from competition kits to ceremonial outfits. The haul includes around 30kg of new gear, including clothes, flip-flops, sunglasses, and even a rubber duck.
Travelling to Paris
Athletes travel to the Games in various ways. Meeting the team at the airport and flying together is a common practice. Upon arrival, the excitement begins with special Games Lanes and guided transportation to the Olympic Village. Accreditation is crucial and remains with the athletes for the duration of the Games.
Life in the Olympic Village
The Olympic Village is a bustling hub. Team GB makes its presence known with Union Flags, red, white, and blue decor, and even an iconic red telephone box. The village is vast, often the size of 70 football pitches, requiring lots of walking or using provided fold-up bikes and shuttle buses.
The Village Amenities
The village offers many amenities, from haircuts and manicures to dental check-ups and a general store. Athletes can even take a baguette baking masterclass, embracing the Parisian spirit.
Dining at the Olympics
The dining hall is dubbed “the biggest restaurant in the world,” seating 3,500 people at any time and serving up to 60,000 meals daily. Athletes queue in lines marked by cuisine type, but the wait can be long, and sometimes, their favourite dish runs out just before their turn.
The Olympic experience is unique, filled with excitement, challenges, and unforgettable moments. From the anticipation of selection to the vibrant life in the village, being an Olympic athlete is an extraordinary journey.
