As the 2024 Olympics begin, former competitor Oliver Dingley offers his expertise – such as the lack of eggs currently in the athletes’ village. 

Mr Dingley was the first diver to represent Ireland in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio in 68 years and went on to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. 

Born in Harrogate, England, he declared for Ireland through his Cork grandmother. 

Speaking on The Anton Savage Show today, he said yesterday’s opening ceremony in Paris brought back “loads of memories”. 

“I was very fortunate that I got to experience walking into an opening ceremony at the 2016 Olympics in the Maracanã,” he said. 

“Obviously, it was a very stark contrast three years ago in Tokyo. 

“But last night, it was fantastic just seeing all the crowds line in the streets.” 

The diver said it is “jolting” for an athlete to represent your country on the global stage. 

“It's quite jolting, just taking a step back and realizing how lucky you are as well to get to dive on the world stage,” he said. 

“But also getting to represent everyone who has been a part of your journey and your country as well.” 

Eating at the Olympics

While Mr Dingley will not represent Ireland this year, he has firsthand knowledge of what athletes can expect at the Games – including their living quarters. 

“I actually hear there's an egg shortage in the Athlete's Village,” he said. 

“that seems to be a bit of a bone of contention right now - everybody needs their eggs and need their protein right now. 

“I can imagine after last night, especially everyone would have had [gone] straight back to that Athlete's Village as well and it really is kind of straight into competition time.” 

Athletes' Village

The Village holds 10,000 athletes competing in the Olympics – which Mr Dingley describes as “the most amazing bubble”. 

“People from all different walks of life competing all together, 10,000 athletes,” he said. 

“My favourite part was the unlimited food hall - spent a lot of time in there in both Olympic games.” 

On the first day of the Olympics, both Ireland’s men's and women’s rowing teams progressed to the semi-finals, while Ellen Walshe and the 100m freestyle relay team failed to progress from the heats. 

Boxer Dean Clancy was beaten in the opening lightweight bout, while in hockey, Brave Ireland lost to hockey champions Belgium. 

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