What Are Anti-Sex Beds at the Paris Olympics and Why Are They Being Deployed? - Explained

The 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked renewed discussions and myths about the so-called “anti-sex” beds in the Olympic Village. This controversy first emerged during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and has resurfaced as the Paris Games approach.

Origins of the Anti-Sex Bed Myth

The “anti-sex” beds gained notoriety in 2021 when American track and field athlete Paul Chelimo posted about them on social media, suggesting that the cardboard beds were intended to prevent athletes from engaging in intimate activities.

Chelimo humorously claimed the beds were designed to collapse under the weight of more than one person, hinting that athletes would need to practice sleeping on the floor to avoid such situations. The idea of these beds being fragile and designed to discourage intimacy quickly spread online. Photos of the beds, which appeared flimsy, fueled the rumours.

However, these claims were debunked when athletes posted videos of themselves jumping on the beds to demonstrate their sturdiness. Despite this, the myth has persisted and re-emerged as the 2024 Paris Olympics drew near.

The Reality Behind the Cardboard Beds

The truth about these beds is far less sensational. The cardboard beds can support up to 440 pounds and were introduced as an eco-friendly initiative. The design allows the beds to be easily recycled after the Games, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainability in major international events. This eco-friendly approach contrasts sharply with the initial, sensationalized rumours about their purpose.

Comfort and Criticism

While the bed frames are made of cardboard, athletes sleep on soft mattresses. American canoe slalom athlete Evy Leibfarth confirmed this on TikTok, dispelling concerns about the beds' comfort. However, not all athletes have been impressed with the mattresses, leading some to purchase mattress covers to ensure a better night's sleep.

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Concerns about the quality of sleep athletes might get have raised questions about potential impacts on their performance. A bad night’s sleep could adversely affect an athlete's performance, making the quality of bedding a significant issue, even if the frames themselves are sturdy.

In summary, the “anti-sex” beds of the Paris Olympics are not what the myths suggest. They are part of an eco-friendly initiative designed to support the weight of athletes and to be recycled after the Games. While there are valid concerns about the comfort of the mattresses, the idea that these beds were designed to prevent intimacy is unfounded. The persistence of this myth underscores the public's enduring fascination with the private lives of Olympic athletes.