Each Olympics brings its own set of unexpected breakout stars. Eric “The Eel” Moussambani inspired spectators in Sydney, while Steven Bradbury’s improbable gold in Salt Lake City elevated him to legendary status. The roster of surprise talents continues.
This year, the spotlight is shining on the “Muffin Man.”
Although that’s not his real name, thanks to millions of views on TikTok, it might as well be.
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Henrik Christiansen, a Norwegian swimmer making his third Olympic appearance, isn’t considered a favorite to medal in either of his events. Yet, he has managed to capture the attention of social media users worldwide.
The food options in the Olympic Village have not received glowing reviews. Team USA gold medalist Hezly Rivera expressed her dissatisfaction.
Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, in his third Olympics, gained viral fame for his TikTok videos highlighting the chocolate muffins available in the Olympic Village. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“I don’t think the food is very good, at least what we get in the dining hall,” Rivera mentioned during a press conference after Team USA secured gold in women’s gymnastics.
She added, “While French cuisine is enjoyable, what we have here doesn’t live up to expectations. However, it fulfills our needs.”
One standout, it appears, are the chocolate muffins — which reportedly “taste just like cake.”
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In a TikTok video shared on July 25, Christiansen sampled various cafeteria dishes at the Olympic Village.
He described the chicken gyoza as “acceptable,” and the pesto pasta with pork skewer as “fairly good,” but the chocolate muffin, which he dubbed the “choccy muffin,” was simply “unbelievable.”
“11/10,” he proclaimed.
Henrik Christiansen surged to viral fame following his food review video from the Olympic Village. (Nikola Krstic/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images; iStock)
In the video, Christiansen is quite visibly enjoying the muffin.
Multiple follow-up videos showed Christiansen with chocolate smudged on his face while the legendary muffin with a bite out of it flashed back and forth on the screen.
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Other TikTok posts feature Christiansen wandering the Olympic Village with several muffins in hand, comparing them to other French delicacies.
Staying true to the Olympic spirit, athletes from varied delegations have chimed in on social media, praising the chocolate muffin.
“It tastes just like cake.”
Team USA swimmers Abbey Weitzeil and Torri Huske set out to find “the famous, infamous chocolate muffins,” chronicling their experience on Weitzeil’s TikTok account.
“At first glance, it appears melted on top, but it feels cold to the touch,” Huske stated.
“It tastes just like cake,” she remarked.
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Weitzeil concurred, emphasizing that the inside was “melty fudgy.”
“For a chocolate muffin, I’d rate it a nine out of ten,” Huske commented, noting it would be even better warm. Weitzeil also rated it a nine.
American swimmers Torri Huske, left, and Abbey Weitzeil, right, enthusiastically praised the chocolate muffin. (Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
The pair noted they had also spotted Christiansen — “the Muffin Man” — on their way to the dining hall.
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“We encountered the Muffin Man! If you’re watching, Muffin Man, I was sitting next to you on the bus and thought, ‘Oh my God, you are the Muffin Man,'” Weitzeil exclaimed.
Notable figures have also taken notice.
Chef Gordon Ramsay commented on one of Christiansen’s muffin videos on Friday, saying, “I think I need to give one a try now…”
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Christiansen is competing in the men’s 800m and 1500m freestyle events at the Olympics.
Next up for him is the men’s open water 10K marathon swim in the Seine River, taking place on August 8-9, as reported by the AP.
