For one Olympian, the only thing more precious than a gold medal is ... a chocolate muffin?
“Reviewing some of the meals i’ve had in the Olympic Village so far,” Christiansen wrote on his first video that includes the chocolaty treat.
He gives the muffin a “11/10” rating and describes it as “insane.”
Later, Christiansen was still thinking about the first muffin he had because that same day he filmed a follow-up video, using Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 song “What You Won’t Do for Love,” in the style of that wildly viral chocolate-covered strawberry TikTok.
“The single greatest thing about the Olympic Village so far🤤,” Christiansen captioned the video.
Christiansen has been posting about his Olympics experience since June 1, when he announced he was headed to the Paris Games.
Since then, he’s posted steadily about swimming, Olympics outfits, the Eiffel Tower and the thrill of the Opening Ceremony, but it’s his muffin videos that have captured the internet’s heart.
Since he’s been in Paris, the Olympian has posted not one, not two, but 12 videos (so far) about the “choccy muffin,” set to dance tracks, viral memes and more.
His most viral video shows him and teammate Nicholas Lia acting out the famous zipline scene from comedy show “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,” where the zipline, in this case, is the muffin.
“I feel like you’re just here for the chocolate muffin,” Lia tells Christiansen as he is face-deep in the treat.
Meanwhile, Simone Biles became the most decorated American gymnast in the history of the Olympic Games, and Stephen Nedoroscik helped break a 16-year medal drought for Team USA’s male gymnasts with his pommel horse performance, but the public couldn’t look away from this man and his muffins.
“I now know more about the chocolate muffin than the actual Olympic Games that are happening,” commented one of his fans.
“the way how his aura lit up after taking a bite of the choccy muffin,” wrote another.
“the only Olympic village love story that matters,” commented someone else.
Christiansen, who got on the phone with TODAY.com from the Olympic Village, where he and his muffins currently reside, says his newfound viral fame “doesn’t feel real.”
He says he’s been stopped multiple times in the Olympic Village by people — including New Zealand swimmer Lewis Clareburt — who wanted a photo with the “muffin man.”
As a distance swimmer, Christiansen typically needs to eat a lot of calories — about 7,000 of them — on heavier training days, he says. But at the Olympics, when he’s competing, “it’s a lot lower,” he says — around 4,000 calories — but he can still have some muffins.
But how many muffins has he consumed, exactly? The Olympian says the number is probably lower than one might expect.
“I haven’t really kept track of all of them,” Christiansen says. “I think I’ve shown off more muffins than I’ve actually eaten.”
If you’re suddenly craving a certain chocolate muffin, you’re far from alone. After days of sweet-toothed sleuths attempting to track down who makes the muffin, French catering company Coup de Pates confirmed via LinkedIn on July 31 that it is, in fact, their creation.
“We knew our Maxi Muffin with Intense Chocolate was something special... but we didn’t expect it to spark such a chocolate storm! Thank you all for the love,” the company wrote.
Coup de Pates tells TODAY.com that its recipe for the muffin is a “secret crafted by our chefs,” but the product is “available in many countries around the world” and is on sale for food service professionals on the company’s e-commerce website.
The Viral Chocolate Muffin: A TikTok Sensation
The popularity of the chocolate muffin has exploded on TikTok, as Christiansen's videos documenting his obsession have gone viral. The videos, featuring him enjoying the muffins, have captured the attention of the internet, leading to a widespread desire for the treat.
More Than Just a Muffin: A Symbol of Olympic Delight
The chocolate muffin has become more than just a pastry; it has become a symbol of the joy and camaraderie that the Olympics represents. Christiansen's videos have brought the world together, with people from all over watching and sharing their own experiences with the muffins.
Where Can I Get This Muffin?
While the specific recipe is a secret, you can find Coup de Pates’ “Maxi Muffin with Intense Chocolate” on their e-commerce website, available for food service professionals.
While the general public may not be able to order online, it is likely that the muffins can be found in local bakeries and cafes around the world.
The chocolate muffin has become a cultural phenomenon, proving that even the simplest of treats can bring people together and create a shared experience that is truly special.
The Muffin Man: A Global Icon
Christiansen has become a global icon, thanks to his infectious enthusiasm for the chocolate muffins. His videos have inspired others to try the treat and share their own experiences. The “Muffin Man” has become a symbol of the Olympic spirit, reminding us that even in the midst of intense competition, there's always room for simple pleasures.
More Than Just a Snack: A Reminder of Simple Pleasures
In a world full of complexity and high stakes, the chocolate muffin serves as a reminder of the simple joys in life. It is a testament to the power of a delicious treat to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or aspirations.
The Olympic Games are about more than just athletic achievement; they're about celebrating human spirit and fostering connections across cultures. The chocolate muffin, in its own unexpected way, has become a powerful symbol of that spirit.
