Athlete Says Tokyo Olympics 'Feels Like a Prison' in Rant About Food at Games

British athlete Tom Bosworth has hit out at Olympics organizers on social media over the food option at the games, describing it as feeling "like a prison."

In the extraordinary statement, the 31-year-old race walker lashed out at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and called on it to provide better meals for athletes staying in the city of Sapporo.

Bosworth railed against being offered "cold slop" and "partly cooked pasta" in the post, which also included a video of him walking through the cafeteria at the accommodation.

He posted on Twitter early on Monday: "Hey @iocmedia you know the millions of (moneybag emoji) you make off the Olympics. Any chance, in the week of our race we could get some food? Like meals?

"Not cold slop, steamed onions or partly cooked pasta? This is the 'pinnacle of sport.' Sapporo feels like a prison. @BBCSport @TeamGB."

According to Mail Online, Bosworth also compared the experience to a "sweaty school dining hall" in another tweet.

He said: "Welcome to the sweaty school dining hall that a lifetime of hard work gets you. Any chance you could be a little athlete focused? Any chance we could have somewhere to get some fresh air aside from the 900m training lap we have? A cup of coffee wouldn't go amiss."

Bosworth later deleted the tweets, although many on the social media app replied, with either sympathetic or critical comments.

A commenter said: "Looks like the options available at a budget all inclusive holiday."

Another added: "#Japan, such great cuisine, #Tokyo the culinary capital of the world. Disappointed to see/ hear that!"

But, others were critical of Bosworth's comments with many commenting it was overblown to describe it as feeling "like a prison."

One said: "To describe the accommodation as 'like a prison' is insulting. Japan is doing its best to hold an Olympics during the most difficult circumstances. If you have a problem with the food, why not say something to the local staff instead of posting offensive comments on social media?"

Another added: "Have you tried much prison food? Bit of a spoilt brat attitude, you are aware people are starving around the world and would love a meal like this. Get a grip."

A third replied: "'Any chance' you could stop whinging? You're only going for a walk. It's not like you're an elite athlete!"

An IOC spokesperson later told Newsweek: "The conditions for the athletes are a priority for the Games organizers. We are in discussions with Tokyo 2020 to help them optimize the conditions in Sapporo."

Bosworth, a British record holder for the 10km race walk, took home a silver medal for the 20km distance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

He will hope to improve on the result when he competes in th20km distance in Sapporo on Friday, August 6.

Newsweek has contacted Bosworth for comment.