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SAINT-DENIS, France – After months of hard work and sacrifices, the new Olympic medalists in athletics are finally ready to celebrate their accomplishments. From gatherings with family and friends to late-night outings, the athletes are taking time to honor their success while adjusting to a new life as medalists.
Swedish pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, who defended his Olympic gold medal by setting a world record, stated, “I have never been so focused in my life as I have been in the last three months. Now, I am just ready to eat a lot of food. The party is going to be huge.”
American silver medalist in the pole vault, Sam Kendricks, suddenly craved fast food chicken from Popeyes. The issue? It was late, and the restaurant was closed. Fortunately, Duplantis had connections and managed to sort out the situation. Soon, they could enjoy delicious chicken fries at Puma House, where the celebration continued into the early hours.
Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy wrapped up her media interviews around 3 a.m. and immediately headed to a dance club, where she danced the night away. “One of the best nights of my life,” Kennedy said.
The 19-year-old Italian bronze medalist in long jump, Mattia Furlani, celebrated with a classic pizza margherita. Sprinter Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia, who won gold in the 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters, could not resist the temptation of junk food and dreamed of pizza topped with ham and pineapple.
Canadian bronze medalist in pole vault, Alysha Newman, and her family struggled to find an open place to celebrate, but thankfully they were invited into a pub by the owner who recognized her. They were served a delightful dinner of homemade pesto pasta with shrimp and mushrooms, accompanied by a glass of red wine.
American discus thrower Valarie Allman could not resist the lure of the best burger of her life at around 2 a.m. “It was literally perfect,” Allman said.
British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who had a long day, only wished to sleep after going through interviews and drug tests. “The celebration plans are postponed,” she said.
Not all athletes opted for junk food. American silver medalist in hammer throw, Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, craved salmon and broccoli for a healthy celebratory dinner but could not resist the thought of sour candy for dessert.
Cuban triple jumper Andy Diaz, who won bronze for Italy, spent the night responding to the many messages he received on his phone. “Every time I pick it up, I have at least 100 new messages,” he said.
As the athletes celebrate their achievements, there is both silence and festivity at play in the pursuit of honor on the world’s largest sports stage.
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