Olympic Village chocolate muffins: Fil-Am Olympians confirm the hype is real

Screencap from Aleah Finnegan/Tiktok, Levi Jung-Ruivivar/Tiktok

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, it’s not just the athletes grabbing headlines – there’s also a new culinary sensation causing a stir: the double chocolate muffin. But is the buzz warranted?

The hype began with a TikTok post from Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, now dubbed the “muffin man.”

Posted on the day before the opening ceremony, Christiansen’s video showcased his enthusiastic reaction to the muffin, which has a rich chocolate base, chocolate chips and a decadent gooey center. The so-called “muffin man” rated it 11 out of 10.

@henrikchristians1

You guys have no idea the physical toll that three vasectomies have on a person #fyp #olympics #paris2024 #olympictiktok #olympicvillage #muffinman

♬ original sound – gagasfamemonster

He later posted another video of himself enjoying the muffin again, with the caption, “Life after rating one chocolate muffin 11/10,” along with additional videos of the muffin, clearly falling in love with it day by day.

Curiosity piqued by Christiansen’s rave review, Filipino American gymnast Aleah Finnegan took a bite of the famed muffin. In her own TikTok post, she expressed her amazement with the caption, “They are so good like???” and added, “I understand the hype of these chocolate muffins in the village.”

@aleahfinn

They are so good like ??? #olympics #olympicvillage #paris2024

♬ original sound – Lorena Pages

Meanwhile, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Finnegan’s artistic gymnastics teammate and the youngest Filipino athlete at this year’s Games, also embraced the muffin trend. Her video, featuring fellow athletes from the Philippines and Great Britain, including Filipina rower Joanie Delgaco, hurdler John Cabang and even Finnegan again, showed them all enjoying the treat.

@levijungruivivar

Mostly Filipinos and people from Great Britain 🇵🇭🇬🇧🫶 #muffin #chocolate #chocolatemuffin #athletes #fun #sport #olympics #olympicvillage #trend #trendy #pic #friends #love #support #viral #viralvideo #trending #team #england #greatbritain #filipina #filipino #muffinman #bake #chocolatelover #gym #gymtok #fit #fitness #funny @aleah finnegan @Olympics @paris2024

♬ original sound – 𝓆𝒾𝓁 – 𝔮𝔦𝔩

Jung-Ruivivar herself in a separate video affirmed, “the hype is real.”

Moreover, British gymnast Harry Hepworth, who won bronze in the men’s artistic gymnastics vault finals, also praised the muffin in a now-expired Instagram story.

Sodexo Live!, the catering company for the Olympic Village, has confirmed that the chocolate muffin is a top seller. A spokesperson told People that 100,000 muffins will be served throughout the Games, with about 2,000 consumed daily. This chocolate delight has clearly become a favorite among athletes from around the world.

As the Games progress, this simple treat has evolved into a symbol of the Olympic Village experience, bringing joy to athletes from every corner of the globe.