Watch: Athletes Show The Real Picture Of The Anti-Sex Beds At Paris Olympics

The anticipation surrounding the 2024 Olympic Games, set to unfold against the iconic backdrop of Paris from July 26th to August 11th, 2024, is palpable. With more than 10,000 athletes poised to descend upon the French capital for this momentous event, every aspect of their accommodation and experience has garnered intense scrutiny. Among the most intriguing developments is the introduction of so-called "anti-sex" beds, designed to reshape the dynamics of athlete accommodations and, in turn, fuel fervent debate and speculation.

The Concept Of Anti-Sex Beds

The concept of anti-sex beds revolves around the utilization of materials and design elements that inherently discourage amorous endeavours. According to reports from the New York Post, the introduction of anti-sex mattresses marks a bold departure from tradition. Crafted in a twin-sized configuration, these beds present a logistical challenge for cohabitation, ostensibly dissuading athletes from partaking in intimate encounters. However, despite their seemingly austere design, these modular mattresses boast an impressive capacity, accommodating even the largest Olympians with comfort and support.  Manufactured by Airweave, the same visionary company responsible for furnishing beds for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, these anti-sex beds emerge as a focal point of a larger sustainability initiative.

Central to the adoption of these unconventional sleeping arrangements is the imperative to minimize environmental impact. In a concerted effort to uphold the principles of sustainability, both the mattresses and accompanying cardboard frames boast a remarkable feature – they are 100% recyclable. This eco-conscious approach aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, as communicated by Georgina Grenon, the esteemed director of environmental excellence for the committee.

“I hope that Paris 2024’s efforts to reduce its impact will show that it is possible to do things differently,” said Grenon, according to the report.

Athletes Give Tour Of The Anti-Sex Beds At Paris Olympics

From Olympians Rhys McClenaghan to Daria Saville, Tennis star Ellen Perez to Whitewater Kayaker Sofia Reinoso, several athletes made videos for social media, revealing how the beds are really stuffed with cardboard, and well-suited to support the anti-sex beds' claim.

Debunking Misconceptions

Amidst swirling rumours and speculation surrounding the nature of these beds, athletes and officials have come forward to dispel misconceptions. Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan took to social media to refute claims of the beds' fragility, demonstrating their durability through a video demonstration. Similarly, the official Olympics Twitter account endorsed McClenaghan's assertion, effectively debunking the myth of the "anti-sex" beds. Such clarifications highlight the importance of accurate information amidst a sea of conjecture.

Addressing Past Controversies

The decision to introduce anti-sex beds is not devoid of historical context, as past Olympic Games have witnessed their fair share of scandals involving athlete dalliances. From the candid recollections of Matthew Syed, a table tennis player who recounted his amorous escapades during the 1992 Barcelona Games, to the anonymous athlete divulging participation in a noteworthy foursome at the 2012 London Games, and also the reports of raucous parties along with communal dorm dalliances, the Village has earned a reputation for its libertine atmosphere. Despite efforts to maintain decorum, instances of public intimacy and revelry have occasionally punctuated the solemnity of the Games.

US football star Hope Solo echoed these sentiments in an interview with ESPN, stating, "Athletes are extremists. When they’re training, it’s laser focus. When they go out for a drink, it’s 20 drinks. With a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you want to build memories, whether it’s sexual, partying, or on the field. I’ve seen people having sex right out in the open. On the grass, between buildings, people are getting down and dirty."

Concerns regarding athlete conduct emerged, particularly amid the COVID-19 outbreak in 2021. The New York Times reported advisories urging athletes not to intimidate one another to prevent the spread of infection. During this time, alcohol sales were restricted, and condoms were distributed with instructions to use them upon returning home, as detailed by The Mirror.

As the anticipation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics mounted, former long jump athlete Susen Tiedtke criticized the ban on sexual activity in the Olympic Village. Speaking to the German tabloid Bild, she expressed scepticism, stating, "(The ban) is a big laughing stock for me, it doesn’t work at all. Sex is always an issue in the village. The athletes are at their physical peak at the Olympics. When the competition is over, they want to release their energy."