The Unexpected Olympic Champion: The Chocolate Muffin That Stole the Show in the Olympic Village

In the Olympic Village, where freshly baked bread and a selection of exquisite French pastries were meant to be the stars, a surprise contender emerged as the true champion: the chocolate muffin. This American-inspired treat has taken the Olympic Village by storm, going viral on social media and winning the hearts (and taste buds) of athletes from around the world.

Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, now affectionately known as the "Muffin Man," became an internet sensation after posting videos of the "choccy muffin" on TikTok. His rave reviews, including an "insane" 11/10 rating, garnered millions of views, turning the humble muffin into a global sensation.

Reflecting on his unexpected fame, Christiansen shared, "It’s been an unreal experience. I never imagined it would become this big, but it’s fun." Competing in the 800-meter freestyle, 1,500-meter freestyle, and 10-kilometer marathon races, Christiansen enjoyed the high-calorie indulgence of the chocolate muffin daily, noting, "As an endurance athlete, I can afford it."

During his two-and-a-half-week stay in the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, Christiansen devoured "seven or eight" of these rich muffins, known for their gooey fudge centers. "It’s not really that much," he joked. "I think people will be disappointed when they learn it’s not five a day."

The Olympic Village, hosting thousands of athletes from over 200 countries and territories, serves around 40,000 meals daily. Among the many dining options, the on-site bakery quickly became a central hub, according to chief baker Tony Doré.

Doré and his team crafted fresh baguettes—recognized in 2022 by the U.N. as part of the intangible cultural heritage—alongside various other breads, all baked fresh each day. "It’s unbelievable," Doré said, describing how athletes eagerly embraced the French tradition of collecting a fresh baguette every morning. "Many had never tasted a baguette fresh out of the oven. Now, they return daily, enchanted by the bread."

Another hit at the bakery was the "cocoa bread," a special creation for the Olympics. This double chocolate French bread, made with less sugar and butter, was tailored to fit athletes’ nutritional needs.

American athletes, including the legendary gymnast Simone Biles and sprinter Fred Kerley, bronze medalist in the 100-meter dash, were among those who visited the bakery. Some even participated in bread-making classes held daily.

Philipp Würz, head of catering for the Paris 2024 organizing committee, revealed that the village's four bakers produced approximately 600 baguettes and 900 cacao breads daily—far surpassing initial estimates due to high demand. "We take great pride in offering local French bread," Würz said.

However, the undisputed star of the bakery was the chocolate muffin, with 4,000 being produced daily by a local supplier. Other popular pastries included custard pie, vanilla tartlets, Paris-Brest (choux pastry filled with praline cream), and lemon tarts. The bakery is set to continue its operations during the Paralympic Games, beginning on August 28.

Chief baker Doré expects another rush of athletes, noting, "They’re already aware of what we offer." For those who want to try the famous chocolate muffin at home, the recipe has been shared on TikTok by none other than Christiansen himself, who is eager to recreate the treat in his own kitchen.