Inside Team GB’s genius plans to inspire Olympics glory with secret oasis for Paris 2024 stars
TEAM GB bosses have unveiled the operations nerve centre they think will power golden Games glory.
Hidden away in a quiet suburb of northern Paris, a catering college and high school has been transformed into the GB performance lodge.
It offers sleep chambers, a huge gym, swimming pool, medical and psychological help.
And training facilities and an oasis of calm for athletes to meet up with their families and friends as well as dining and an on-site barista.
And Team GB has even engaged the services of former BBC weather presenter Penny Tranter to give the most accurate information on conditions in the French capital.
Team GB head of performance services Greg Rutter said: “We have tried to identify everything that could give our athletes a performance advantage.
“One of those is to take 20-minute, caffeine-fuelled power nap, which is the optimum time.
“The ‘nearest and dearest’ lounge means athletes can relax with their friends and families and spend time with their children.
“Then the training rooms offer a safe space to work on tactics away from prying eyes.
“The different teams like to work and train together because it helps to bond Team GB.
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“Penny sends up a two page email every day, so we can map if there is a heat spike coming and what mitigation we might need for rowers, triathletes and other athletes.
“Between sleep, food, the training facilities and the medical facilities we think we have all the bases covered.”
Team GB chef de mission Mark England said the base – the most advanced and detailed of any nation in Paris – also means athletes feel part of their “legacy”.
England said: “The lodge is the jewel in our crown.
“The Olympic environment is so intense – it’s basically 50 world championships taking place over 17 days
“But we know that if athletes have a strong culture and a sense of belonging, that gives you an advantage.
“We have a ‘one team’ environment. People from different sports train together and embrace that but also get a high quality relaxed environment, which comes to a crescendo that aids performance.”
