Luka Mkheidze, the recent European judo champion, bronze medallist in Tokyo and former member of Sucy-en-Brie, laughs, “Normally I am in the 60 kg category, but now I’m going to 70 kg.” His eyes sparkle as he looks at the array of cheese at the heart of the international interest market (MIN) in Rungis. Next to him, Kylian Portal, who turns 17 in a few days, stands next to a huge 70 kg wheel of Emmental cheese. “I love this cheese, I put it everywhere,” says the visually impaired swimmer.
On Thursday, November 23, six athletes selected for the Paris Olympic Games, two with disabilities and four able-bodied, visited the market before picking up their first basket of food products just a few months before the competition. Stéphane Layani, the president of MIN who will host the Olympic flame on July 21, says, “This is the first time we have assisted athletes in this way. Here, we have quality food, which is ideal for these athletes.”
“All these athletes, including Sofyane Mehiaoui (wheelchair basketball), Marjorie Delassus (canoe-kayak), Capucine Viglione (climbing), and Cédric Olivar (Judo) will receive a full basket every two weeks: fruits, vegetables, meat or fish, not to mention cheese. This amounts to around a hundred euros per month per athlete,” says a close associate of the athletes.
The athletes, not necessarily in the most publicized disciplines, are delighted. “Food is our fuel,” explains Marjorie Delassus, who follows in the footsteps of Tony Estanguet. “This way, we will have high-quality and varied food, which is also essential,” adds Capucine Viglione, whose sport requires explosiveness to climb the 15m climbing wall as quickly as possible. “Plus, I love to cook.”
“To participate in the Olympic Games, it is a daily commitment. We give 100%,” says Cédric Olivar. “This basket is a real relief for our wallets. It will diversify our diet.”
“It is also a way to fight against junk food,” says Stéphane Layani. “We are providing a small contribution to help young athletes,” says the president of the market, who became interested in this type of sponsorship through a colleague.
“It is essential to be in shape,” says Sofyane Mehiaoui, professional wheelchair basketball player. “In Italy, with my professional team, we were well supported. Here, in France, this sport is not professional and you have to think of everything,” he adds. The diversification of the diet is assured.
