What Swimmer Abbey Weitzeil Packed For the Olympics, From Protein Bars to an LED Mask
In "Pack With Me," celebrities, athletes, and editors give us a rundown of their travel must-haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, Olympic swimmer Abbey Weitzeil shares what essentials she packed for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It's one thing to train for the Olympics, and a whole other task to pack for them.
We've all seen the viral TikTok videos of athletes showcasing their living quarters at the Olympics, with glimpses of everything from the cardboard beds to the cafeteria food and even those coveted chocolate muffins. But what about all the items that athletes have to bring with them to the Games? Is certain athletic gear provided? Do competitors prefer to pack their own snacks? Is there a limit to how many skin-care products you can bring into the dorms — or at least, how many you can squeeze into your suitcase?
As a shopping editor — and someone whose deeply product-obsessed — these are a few of the (many) questions that have consumed my mind throughout the Games. Fortunately, Team USA swimmer Abbey Weitzeil knows a thing or two about what it takes to train and pack like an Olympian (she's won six Olympic medals, after all) and was gracious enough to let me pick her brain about what she made sure to pack for the 2024 Paris Olympics — even on the precipice of winning another gold.
"Each [Olympics] has gotten easier. As you do it more, you learn your routine, you know what to expect, and you know what your emotions are gonna feel like the night before or day before [a competition]. So, I think I'm navigating these Games with more assurance," Weitzeil tells PS.
That assurance extends far beyond the swimming pool. After competing in three Olympics, including the 2016, 2020, and now 2024 Games, Weitzeil has evolved into more of a leadership role on the Team USA Swimming squad. She knows what's expected of her on the roster, what she needs to do to prep her body before each competition, and most importantly, what products help power her through the Games.
"We're so spoiled; we get all of our swimming gear sent, and we get all of the extra Nike and Ralph Lauren, so clothing isn't really an issue. But for the most part, I'm packing my cosmetics and things that I want from home. My pillow, my blanket, but then also my shampoo, conditioner, face wash, all my razors and my Venus Comforrtglide, for sure."
Ahead, Weitzeil shares all of the products she packed for the 2024 Paris Olympics. From a red light mask to the protein bars she always keeps in her swim bag, keep reading to shop her picks.
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A Travel Razor
Rifle Paper Co. + Venus Mini Comfortglide Travel Razor ($10)
To ensure she feels comfortable and confident each time she steps (or dives) into the pool, Weitzeil says that her Venus razor is the most important item in her beauty bag. "It's something that I always make sure I have; I have one in my swim bag, I have one in my suitcase, I have one in my shower. I have them everywhere, so I can't forget them," Weitzeil explains. For a cleaner shave, Venus Gillette razors also work well with complementary products like the Venus For Pubic Hair Skin-Smoothing Exfoliant Scrub ($10) and Venus For Pubic Hair Daily Soothing Serum ($10).
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Protein Bars
Rxbar Protein Bars ($32)
As far as what she snacks on in between competitions, Weitzeil keeps it simple. "I always have a bar, whether it's an Rxbar or some sort of bar at the bottom of my bag, just in case I'm hungry after weights or in between practice. You always need to have a little extra protein," Weitzeil says. This Rxbar variety pack includes a handful of flavors, like peanut butter chocolate and mixed berry.
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A Skin-Care Staple
Face Reality Skincare Moisture Balance Toner ($32)
Weitzeil calls herself a bonafide "cosmetics girl" and admits that half of her suitcase is all cosmetics. As for the products she's currently loving, she recently posted a GRWM video on TikTok that offered a glimpse into her skin-care routine — and involved a bevy of Face Reality Skincare products, including this hydrating toner, a hydracalm mask, and SPF.
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Travel Sneakers
TYR Techknit RNR-1 Runner ($100, originally $120)
As an athlete, Weitzeil makes sure to travel with a staple pair of workout sneakers — just like these fiery trainers from TYR. The sneakers are available in unisex sizes, plus eight different colorways. In a TikTok video, Weitzeil showed herself packing the shoes before heading off to the Games.
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A Red Light Mask
The Light Salon Boost LED Mask ($495)
When she needs to relax and unwind, Weitzeil opts for this luxurious red light mask, which supports skin rejuvenation and can be used for regular 10-minute treatments. "You've got to feel good and relax, and it's just calming to me and I love it," she says.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.