The claim that the cardboard beds at the Paris 2024 Olympics are anti-sex

Upon reviewing articles about the cardboard beds in the Olympic Village, it is evident that many news organizations have covered the story. Some athletes have also posted videos of their rooms and beds on their personal social media accounts.

British athlete Tom Daley was one of the first to do so.

Daley recorded a detailed video of the bed and even tested its durability by jumping on it.

Irish rugby players Harry McNulty and Jordan Conroy also tested the bed’s strength by jumping on it with two people.

Similar claims were made during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Despite the beds being promoted for their recyclable features, theories emerged suggesting that they were actually intended to prevent sexual activity.

In response, Northern Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghen revealed the truth about the beds with a video he recorded. The video, showing McClenaghen jumping on the bed, clearly demonstrates that the beds remained intact and stable. Subsequently, the official X account for the Olympics responded to this post with the following:

Thanks for debunking the myth.😂You heard it first from @TeamIreland gymnast @McClenaghanRhys – the sustainable cardboard beds are sturdy! #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/lsXbQokGVE

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 19, 2021

Thanks for debunking the myth. You heard it first from Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghen. The sustainable cardboard beds are sturdy!

Naturally, the 2021 Olympics took place amid the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to stricter measures than usual. For instance, social distancing rules were indeed enforced at that time. As a result, some athletes and spectators were skeptical of the “sustainability” explanation. Nevertheless, the Olympic organizers have remained resolute and continue to refute these claims this year as well.

A spokesperson for the Paris Games told AFP, “We know the media has had a lot of fun with this story since Tokyo 2020, but for Paris 2024 the choice of these beds for the Olympic and Paralympic Village is primarily linked to a wider ambition to ensure minimal environmental impact and a second life for all equipment.”

The Japanese company Airweave, which was responsible for athletes’ rest during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has also become the official bed supplier for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Motokuni Takaoka, the founder and president of Airweave, mentioned that the cardboard beds are designed to support up to three or four people jumping, because after winning a medal, people are very happy.”

On the other hand, Laurent Michaud, the Director of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Villages, stated that to leave no room for doubt, the committee would distribute 300,000 condoms to ensure that everyone has what they expect and need.

Official promotion of the Olympic beds:

Sweet dreams! The #Paris2024 Olympic beds 🛏️ 😴

These are the same cardboard beds used at #Tokyo2020! They're now in the @paris2024 Olympic Village, waiting for the athletes to arrive. 💫#RoadToParis2024 pic.twitter.com/5QHB3s79zX

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 4, 2024