The Olympics’ Most Boozy Moments: 8 Times Athletes Let Loose!
The Olympics might be about strength, speed, and stamina—but sometimes, it’s also about shots, chugs, and champagne. Behind the medals and muscle-flexing are legendary after-parties, secret sips, and epic toasts that deserve a podium of their own. This article lists the wildest moments athletes let loose.
Athens, 1896: A Mid-Race Drink
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The marathon was born at the first modern Olympics, and so was its weird relationship with booze. Greek runner Spyridon Louis, a 23-year-old water carrier, allegedly paused mid-race to drink from a local inn. It clearly didn’t hurt as he went on to win the race.
St. Louis, 1904: A Poisonous Pick-Me-Up
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Temperatures topped 90°F during the 1904 marathon, and there was one water station. Race officials wanted to study dehydration. Then came Thomas Hicks, stumbling and hallucinating after his support team gave him a cocktail involving egg whites and strychnine. Somehow, that horrifying mix helped him cross the finish line first.
London, 1908: A Disastrous Booze Marathon
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Marathon runners in London in 1908 weren’t reaching for electrolytes. They were handed drinks mid-run. Canadian favorite Tom Longboat went down after sipping, and South Africa’s Charles Hefferon lost the lead after some celebratory bubbly triggered stomach cramps. Italian runner Dorando Pietri somehow made it to the finish line.
Paris, 1924: Booze at Water Stations
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When Paris hosted the 1924, French organizers had their take on hydration: swap water for booze. It wasn’t meant to be quirky because it was genuinely considered performance fuel. Marathon stations servOlympicsed small glasses of vin blanc alongside bread and fruit.
Helsinki, 1952: The Finnish Long Drink Is Born
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To avoid long lines at Olympic events, Finland’s state agency asked Hartwall to invent a quick-serve drink. The result was a canned mix involving grapefruit soda and booze. It was initially created for efficiency but became an instant crowd favorite. Fans couldn’t get enough, and the version still sells today.
Barcelona, 1992: NBA Dream Team’s Champagne Jet Party
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The NBA Dream Team turned their private flight into a flying Champagne lounge after grabbing gold in Barcelona. Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and the rest of the crew reportedly popped bottles at altitude to celebrate in style as they headed home.
London, 2012: Usain Bolt’s Gold Medal Champagne Night
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Usain Bolt hosted a London club blowout. After defending his sprint titles, he reportedly ran up a $120,000 Champagne tab in Mayfair while handing out bottles like party favors. With gold medals around his neck and dance moves to spare, he partied with fans and friends into the early morning.
London, 2012: Ryan Lochte’s Club-Hopping Spree
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Once his races were over, Ryan Lochte made the rounds at every exclusive club he could find, usually with a drink in one hand and his American flag grill flashing. Paparazzi followed, and so did the headlines. He was snapped partying with celebs and posing for fans.
Sochi, 2014: Shaun White and Co. Hit the Bars
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After a pressure-filled Olympics in Sochi, snowboarder Shaun White and his crew headed straight to the mountain bars for a well-earned night out. It wasn’t rowdy but relaxed—precisely the evening you’d expect from someone who spent days flying off halfpipes and chasing gold.
Rio, 2016: U.S. Wrestlers Celebrate With Funnels
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Some U.S. wrestlers skipped formalities and went to complete beach bash once they pinned down medals in Rio. They showed up with coolers, launched into impromptu keg stands, and even wrestled in the sand—for fun this time. Onlookers caught glimpses of soaked singlets and celebratory shouts echoing across the shore.
Tokyo, 2021: Gymnasts Join Secret Bash With Sake
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Strict health rules couldn’t keep celebrations entirely bottled up in Tokyo. As the events finished, a few gymnasts quietly gathered for a rooftop toast. There was no press, no fans, just a few relieved athletes catching their breath. Some called it the most peaceful party of the Games.
PyeongChang, 2018: Norwegian Curlers’ Karaoke Soju Night
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Thanks to those loud pants, Norway’s curling team had the skills—and the style. After medaling in PyeongChang, they turned the night into a karaoke free-for-all fueled by soju and a playlist heavy on ABBA. Fans, journalists, and even fellow athletes joined in.
Athens, 2004: Greek Weightlifters Toast With Raki
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To celebrate the medals they won for their home crowd, Greek weightlifters headed straight to a local taverna. There, they clinched glasses of raki with relatives and neighbors. This felt more like a wedding celebration, with plates of grilled meat, bursts of traditional music, and nonstop toasts to Greek pride.