As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, a familiar and controversial topic has resurfaced: the beds in the Athletes Village. Known for being a hotspot for hook-ups and parties, the Olympic Village will see some unique accommodations designed with sustainability in mind. Organizers have announced that 300,000 condoms will be available to the residents, but the unconventional bed designs have sparked discussions reminiscent of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Unconventional bed frames
The beds at the upcoming Paris Olympics are twin-sized, made from materials that limit the available space, ostensibly to deter athletes from engaging in intimate activities during the competition. These are the same types of beds, produced by the Japanese company Airweave, that were introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
During the Tokyo Games, these unconventional bed frames led to various speculations. American distance runner Paul Chelimo had humorously suggested on social media platform X that the beds were intended to prevent athletes from having sex while competing. Such speculation was fueled by the fact that over the years, athletes have openly discussed the prevalence of sexual activities at the Olympic Village. At the 2000 Sydney Games, for instance, the demand for condoms exceeded expectations, leading to an emergency order of additional supplies.
U.S. women’s soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, a gold medalist in 2008, once told ESPN, “There’s a lot of sex going on,” highlighting the vibrant social life within the Village.
However, organizers have clarified that the primary motivation behind the design of these beds is sustainability. The mattresses and bed frames, made from 100% recyclable materials, align with the broader environmental goals of the Paris 2024 Games. A spokesman for the Paris Games stated, “We know the media has had a lot of fun with this story since Tokyo 2020, but for Paris 2024 the choice of these beds for the Olympic and Paralympic Village is primarily linked to a wider ambition to ensure minimal environmental impact and a second life for all equipment.”
Durability of beds
Airweave’s founder, Motokuni Takaoka, has also emphasized the durability of these beds, demonstrating their strength by jumping on them. He reassured that the beds “can support several people on top,” countering the notion that they are easily breakable. The quality and robustness of the beds have been rigorously tested to ensure they are comfortable and suitable for all athletes, regardless of their sport or body type.
Despite the ongoing rumors, the recyclable cardboard beds have proven to be stronger than those made of wood or steel. Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan famously debunked the ‘anti-sex’ claims by jumping on his bed in a video shared on Twitter, declaring the beds’ durability and calling the rumors “fake news.” “The beds are meant to be ‘anti-sex’… They’re made out of cardboard, yes, and apparently they’re meant to break at any sudden movement… It’s fake! Fake news,” McClenaghan said.
The official Olympics Twitter account even reposted McClenaghan’s video, adding, “Thanks for debunking the myth,” putting an end to the speculation with a touch of humor.
As the Paris 2024 Games approach, the focus remains on creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly event.
