Olympic gold medallist Thomas Ceccon was recently spotted sleeping in a park within the Olympic Village in Paris, highlighting ongoing issues with the athletes’ accommodations. Ceccon, an Italian swimmer, opted for the outdoor rest spot after finding the provided beds uncomfortable. The beds, made from cardboard, have been a source of controversy since their introduction at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Ceccon voiced his dissatisfaction with the conditions, stating, “There is no air conditioning in the village, it’s hot, the food is bad. Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows.” His complaints reflect broader concerns among athletes about the suitability of their sleeping arrangements, which were designed to be sustainable but have been criticized for their lack of comfort.
These beds, intended to discourage intimacy among athletes by supporting only a single person’s weight, have drawn significant backlash. American track and field runner Paul Chelimo previously mocked them, suggesting he might have to “start practicing how to sleep on the floor.” Athletes have taken to social media to express their frustrations, with some describing the beds as akin to “cardboard boxes.”
Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns shared her team’s solution on social media, showing how their manager had provided thick mattress toppers and extra pillows to improve the beds’ comfort. “I’m so grateful because I was waking up every single hour. I actually thought about going on the floor,” Kearns said, highlighting the extent of the discomfort experienced by athletes.
Ceccon, who won a gold medal in the Men’s 100m Backstroke, was disappointed not to reach the 200-metre backstroke final, attributing his performance to exhaustion. “I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon. Here, I really struggle between the heat and the noise,” he explained.
The ongoing complaints underscore the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak performance under less-than-ideal conditions. With just a week left before they can return to their own beds, athletes continue to adapt as best they can, hoping to achieve their Olympic dreams despite the hurdles.
