The Summer Olympics are off to a rousing start, after what seemed to be months of a boisterous buildup. From fashion collaborations fuelling the fire to a special Prelude event at the Frank-Gehry-designed Foundation Louis Vuitton, the City of Light has been twinkling in anticipation of the quadrennial international sporting event. Literally and figuratively, as seen from the spectacular Opening Ceremony that took place last weekend. It’s a celebration befitting of the prestige that comes with the Olympics—undoubtedly a badge of honour borne by athletes from all over the world. And beyond the riveting and awe-inspiring competitions we’ve witnessed so far (cue that Yurchenko double pike moment when Simone Biles made history), therein lies the other, more unfiltered side of the Olympic Games: that being the unabating Olympic Village content on TikTok.
@krissyy0l0 Blow this up and ill keep them coming🔥 #olympics #teamcanada @Team Canada ♬ OLIVER DADEMA . TRAVEL VLOGGER – OLIVER DADEMA
While it might be the nefarious claims of the Village’s anti-sex cardboard beds that everyone’s intrigued by, there’s a whole other suite of content by athlete-turned-creators that we’re sticking around for. A stark contrast really, to the poised and impenetrable individuals who are unequivocally the cream of the crop within their own sport. Perhaps that’s what has been so fascinating to watch; to peer into the lighter, less consequential side to the Olympics and getting to know the athletes, beyond the magic they exude in the competitions.
Thanks to the social media platform, we’ve gleaned an inside look—via a humorous and unserious approach. Below, Vogue Singapore sums up the highlights as seen from Olympic Village-Tok so far.
Love is always on the cards
The plot is as old as time: put a bevy of young, fit individuals in a massive house and see what relationships transpire. It seems the Olympic athletes have caught on to that as well. Well aware of the potential that looms around every corner, the Olympic Village has now been dubbed as the Love Village. But if there’s one particular single we’re rooting for, it will have to be Ilona Maher—the multi-talented rugby Olympian who’s been making moves by way of covert glances at the cafeteria and outfit changes in her room.
@tylerdownss everyone here is gorgeous #olympics #paris2024 @Maycey Vieta @daryn ♬ original sound – gabbriette
@ilonamaher Moves were made @paris2024 #olympicvilla ♬ original sound – Ilona Maher
The cafeteria is where the magic happens
It seems that food never fails to bring people together. In a communal space that is the cafeteria, is where athletes flock to for sustenance, amongst other things. You’ll get a peek at what’s on the menu, spanning carbs, plenty of protein and desserts. From ‘What I eat in a day’ to ‘Who I spotted at the cafeteria’, there’s much to reap from the behemoth dining hall.
@piperlogan11 The imposter sydrome is real. We 🫶 queen serena. #paris2024 #oly #teamcanada #fyp #fypシ #olympics #rugby #olympicvillage ♬ original sound – The People Gallery
There’s a favourite food on the menu
As far as we know, the reviews of the grub at the Olympic Village aren’t favourable. But there has been a silver lining; a certain chocolate muffin has been popularised as a clear winner by Norwegian swimmer who has now been touted the ‘muffin man’. Given its mass appeal against the plethora of meager options, the humble dessert is now a hot commodity amongst the athletes.
@henrikchristians1 When bae is looking like a snack #fyp #olympics #paris2024 #olympictiktok #olympicvillage #muffins @Olympics @paris2024 ♬ original sound – mywatchhistory
They care about their outfits as much as we do
Months leading up to the big event, olympic uniforms had already been the talk of the town. And like us, the ‘models’ in question are very much invested in their fits—often doing an outfit reveal, alongside hilarious commentary.
@henrikchristians1 Norway has truly gone all in on the dadcore aesthetic this year #fyp #olympics #paris2024 #olympictiktok #olympicvillage #olympichaul #dadcore @Olympics @paris2024 ♬ original sound – kasane teto
