Athletes Criticize Conditions in Olympic Village

The 2024 Paris Olympic Village, a £1.7 billion eco-friendly complex, has drawn criticism from athletes due to uncomfortable living conditions, including hot temperatures, poor food quality, and the absence of air conditioning. Notable athletes like Thomas Ceccon have publicly voiced their dissatisfaction, even resorting to sleeping outdoors to cope with the situation. While the village is designed for sustainability and will be repurposed after the Games as office space, the cardboard beds intended to deter sexual activity have been deemed robust enough for multiple users, according to their inventor. Despite the intention behind the beds, they have become a topic of humor among athletes, with some rigorously testing their durability. Additionally, the Olympic Village has returned to a more social atmosphere, providing a significant supply of condoms to encourage safe interactions among the 14,500 athletes and staff. This marks a notable shift from the intimacy restrictions seen during the Tokyo Games, highlighting a focus on athlete well-being and community engagement.