Sleeping on the ground may not be ideal, but for Olympic gold medalist Thomas Ceccon, it seemed like a better option than the uncomfortable conditions in the Olympic Village. Ceccon was recently photographed sleeping in a park inside the village, highlighting the dissatisfaction among athletes.
Ceccon, an Italian swimmer who won gold in the 100-meter backstroke, had already voiced his concerns about the accommodations in the Olympic Village. He expressed disappointment after failing to reach the 200-meter backstroke final and cited the lack of air conditioning, hot weather, and poor food as major issues.
In a statement to The Sun, Ceccon shared, “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. 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.”
The Italian team has chosen not to comment further on the matter. However, Ceccon’s discomfort echoes the widespread frustration with the conditions in the Olympic Village.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced criticism for the absence of air conditioning and the use of cardboard “anti-sex” beds as part of their sustainable initiatives. The quality of the food has also been questioned, with athletes complaining about the lack of certain foods and even instances of raw meat being served.
Andy Anson, the chief of the British Olympic Association, stated, “There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates. And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.” These concerns have led some athletes, such as the entire U.S. women’s tennis team (excluding Coco Gauff), to seek alternative lodging outside the Olympic Village.
The recyclable beds, intended for single use only, have become a subject of mockery for their supposed ability to prevent sexual activity. However, the beds have also proven to be uncomfortable for individual athletes, often resulting in restless nights. Matilda Kearns, a member of the Australian water polo team, even mentioned needing a massage to counter the discomfort caused by the cardboard mattress.
Perhaps, in search of a more restful night’s sleep, athletes like Kearns could consider resorting to the familiarity of the ground.
