British diver Tom Daley recently arrived in France for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. As he settled into his room, he took to TikTok to showcase the infamous “anti-sex” cardboard beds that had been the subject of much speculation.
With a playful tone, Daley explained, “This is cardboard… As you can see, it’s like a box.” He proceeded to demonstrate the bed’s construction, revealing a thin mattress and mattress topper on a cardboard base. He even jumped up and down on the bed to prove its sturdiness.
Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan also joined in on the fun, putting the “anti-sex” theory to the test by bouncing, flipping, and slamming his body on the bed. At the end of his video, McClenaghan confidently declared, “Nope, they pass the test. It’s fake! Fake news!”
Not wanting to miss out on the excitement, Australian tennis players Daria Saville and Ellen Perez also pushed the limits of the bed with their workout routines, including resistance band exercises and even the worm.
These athletes were eager to try out the so-called “anti-sex” beds, following their debut at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where they received negative reviews from some athletes. Team USA runner Paul Chelimo jokingly stated that the cardboard beds were designed to “avoid intimacy among athletes” and added, “I see no problem for distance runners, even 4 of us can do.”
While the rumors about the beds have gone viral, Paris officials clarified in May that the choice of cardboard material was primarily to ensure minimal environmental impact and to give the equipment a second life after the Games. They assured athletes that the furniture had undergone rigorous testing to ensure it was robust, comfortable, and suitable for a diverse range of body types.
Interestingly, despite the purported intention to discourage sexual activity, this year’s event organizers are providing 300,000 condoms for athletes staying in the Olympic Village during the summer games. Olympic-themed condoms were even included in the welcome kits.
In the end, it seems that the cardboard beds may not be as much of a deterrent as initially thought. The athletes have humorously put the beds to the test, showcasing their strength and debunking the notion of their fragility. As the excitement builds for the 2024 Paris Olympics, it’s clear that the athletes are ready to experience a memorable and eventful Games.
