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As hundreds of athletes gather for the olympic games Paris 2024, one question looms: why do Olympians have to sleep on anti-sex cardboard beds? Thanks to athletes’ social media profiles, we can debunk some myths about these beds, as well as the food and condom supplies in the Olympic Village.
The Origin of Cardboard Beds
The cardboard bed frames, first introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, were designed with sustainability in mind, not chastity. "The organizing committee was thinking about recyclable items, and the bed was one of the ideas," said Takashi Kitajima, the general manager of the Tokyo Athletes Village.
Sturdy and Adjustable
British diver Tom Daley demonstrated the bed’s sturdiness by jumping on it. His verdict? "Pretty sturdy." The beds are adjustable to each athlete's height and have mattresses with modules that can be flipped for different firmness levels.
Testing the Myths
Despite the persistent "anti-sex" rumors, Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan was the first to debunk the claim at the Tokyo Olympics, and he did it again in Paris, performing rigorous acrobatics on the bed without causing any damage. "FAKE NEWS!" he proclaimed.
Olympic Games Paris 2024 Social Media Reactions
Australian tennis players Daria Saville and Ellen Perez humorously tested the beds' durability in various ways, including high knees, squat jumps, and even the cannonball. Saville also shared her Olympic Village experience, highlighting the facilities and food options, including a Hawaiian poke bowl.
How Are the Cardboard Beds Made Up?
The cardboard beds at the Paris 2024 Olympics are designed with sustainability in mind. They are 100% made in France and will be fully recycled after the Games. The bed frames are made of sturdy cardboard, while the mattresses consist of three modules that can be flipped to adjust firmness according to the athlete's preference. The length of the beds can also be adjusted to accommodate different heights.
The duo test out the beds. Picture: Instagram
They held up. Picture: Instagram
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
The cardboard beds are part of the Games' broader effort to be environmentally friendly. They are 100% made in France and will be fully recycled after the Games. The athletes' village also uses a water pipe system beneath the floorboards instead of air conditioning to keep rooms cool.
Matilda Kearns had some choice words about the beds, via Team AU
Mixed Reviews
Not all athletes are fans. Australian water poloist Matilda Kearns found the beds "rock solid" and needed a massage to recover. Her team quickly arranged for mattress toppers to improve their sleep.
Conclusion
The cardboard beds at the Paris 2024 Olympics are a sustainable solution that has sparked a lot of discussion and humor among athletes. Despite some initial skepticism, they are a key part of the Games' efforts to reduce their environmental impact. So, while Olympians may be breaking records on the field, their beds are breaking down barriers to sustainability.
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