One of the most talked-about incidents of the Paris Olympics so far has been the viral video of Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon sleeping outside the Olympic Village. Spotted by Saudi Arabia’s Husein Alireza, Ceccon was captured lying on a blanket next to a tree, his backpack nearby, in what appeared to be a makeshift sleeping arrangement.

Ceccon, who has a impressive Olympic resume, including a gold medal in the 100m backstroke and a silver in the 4x100m freestyle relay, has been vocal about his issues with the accommodations in the Olympic Village. The swimmer has complained about the poor quality of the food, the lack of air conditioning, and the difficulty in getting adequate rest due to the noise and heat.

Ceccon is not the only Olympian to voice concerns about the conditions in the village. Many athletes, including US tennis player Emma Navaro, have complained about the small, uncomfortable beds, which were designed to be “anti-sex” in an effort to keep the village’s atmosphere chaste. Some athletes have even resorted to leaving the village altogether, opting for luxury hotels instead.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have highlighted the stark contrast between the experiences of different athletes. While some have been able to enjoy the grandeur and excitement of the games, others have struggled with the subpar living conditions and facilities. This divide has led to a range of reactions, from vocal complaints to creative solutions like Ceccon’s outdoor napping.

The issues with the Olympic Village have the potential to significantly impact the performance and well-being of the athletes. Inadequate rest, poor nutrition, and general discomfort can all take a toll on an athlete’s physical and mental state, potentially affecting their ability to compete at the highest level.

The responsibility for the problems at the Paris Olympics lies largely with the event’s organizers. While they may have had good intentions in designing the accommodations, it’s clear that they failed to anticipate and address the needs of the world’s elite athletes. As the games continue, it will be interesting to see how the organizers respond to the growing concerns and whether they can make the necessary improvements to ensure a more positive experience for all participants.

One of the most widely publicized issues at the Olympic Village has been the controversy surrounding the athletes’ beds. Touted as “eco-friendly” cardboard structures, these beds have become the subject of much ridicule and concern. Indian athlete Sakshi Malik, for instance, joked that she’d probably fall off the bed, while her teammate Ravi Dahiya expressed a desire for a larger bed to accommodate his medal. The US’ Fred Richards even pre-arranged a mattress delivery, highlighting the substandard sleeping accommodations.

In keeping with the “green” theme, the Paris Olympics opted for geothermal cooling systems instead of traditional air conditioning. However, this decision has backfired, with athletes complaining about the stifling heat in their living quarters. Team USA fought back by obtaining portable air conditioning units, while others, like Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri, simply couldn’t sleep due to the lack of proper cooling.

Thomas Ceccon shows his gold medal after compete in the 100m Individual Medley Men’s Final during the FINA Swimming Short Course World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, on December 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

The catering at the Olympic Village has also been a source of major contention. While the organizers had prepared to serve 13 million meals, the athletes soon began to complain about the lack of proper protein options and the overall subpar quality of the food. Shooter Manu Bhaker expressed her dismay at the food options, while Great Britain’s Adam Peaty went so far as to claim that he found worms in his meal. The Italian swimmer Ceccon echoed these sentiments, stating that the food was “just not good enough.”

Adding to the woes of the athletes, the Olympic Village has also been plagued by unsanitary conditions. In a viral TikTok video, US tennis player Coco Gauff revealed that her accommodation had only two bathrooms for ten athletes, leading to cramped and uncomfortable living arrangements. Other athletes, such as Denmark’s Nanna Vigild, have shared more positive experiences, but the overall consensus seems to be that the Paris 2024 Olympics has failed to provide the level of comfort and amenities expected at the world’s premier sporting event.

The Paris Olympic Village’s food in a video uploaded on August 3, 2024 | Source: YouTube/The Straits Times

The issues plaguing the Olympic Village in Paris 2024 are not just a case of minor inconveniences. They highlight a larger problem of the disconnect between the grand vision of the Games and the realities faced by the athletes. The organizers’ focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness has come at the expense of the athletes’ basic needs, creating a situation that threatens to undermine the very essence of the Olympic spirit.

Some Olympic fans have expressed sympathy for the athletes, understanding their need for comfort and proper facilities to enable them to perform at their best. As one person wrote, “The athletes need good facilities, especially a good mattress, in order to be in tip-top condition to perform at their best.” This sentiment reflects the recognition that the athletes’ success is heavily dependent on their ability to rest and recover, which can be challenging in subpar accommodations.

However, not everyone is sympathetic to the athletes’ complaints. Some viewers have criticized the athletes, with one person writing, “Holy entitlement!!! Seriously, that’s what they’re complaining about.” This perspective suggests that the athletes are perceived as being overly demanding or entitled, rather than appreciative of the hospitality provided.

Furthering this view, another person revealed, “While in the military, I shared two bathrooms with 35 other guys and we all managed just fine.” This comparison implies that the athletes should be able to adapt to less-than-ideal living conditions, as many have experienced in other contexts.

The Paris Olympic Games’ cardboard beds and mattresses in a video uploaded on July 31, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Firstpost

Some individuals have argued that the accommodations are meant to be equal for all athletes, and that any complaints about subpar facilities are a result of a sense of entitlement. As one person stated, “Everyone is given the same and treated equally, but obviously some of them feel they are entitled to special treatment.” This perspective suggests that the issue is not about the quality of the accommodations, but rather the athletes’ expectations and perceptions of their own importance.

On the other hand, some fans have praised athletes like Coco Gauff for embracing the Olympic experience and the camaraderie of the village, with one person writing, “Good for Coco Gauff for sticking it out in her accommodation, and I hope she enjoys the camaraderie and Olympic experience.” This view highlights the importance of the Olympic spirit and the shared experience that athletes can have in the village, beyond just the physical accommodations.

Coco Gauff’s roommate at the Paris Olympic Village, dated July 27, 2024 | Source: TikTok/@cocogauff

A different perspective on the matter raises concerns about the fairness and equity of the accommodations, with one reader asking, “How is it fair that professional millionaire US basketball and tennis players, etc., can stay in 5-star hotels while either true amateurs or low-paid athletes stay at the village?” This question touches on the broader issue of the disparities in resources and privileges afforded to different athletes, based on their sport, background, and level of professional success.

Some individuals have also shared information about the quality of the accommodations and food in the Olympic Village, with one person revealing, “I expected the accommodations to not be great! I also read the food in the village isn’t very nice, and a lot of the athletes are hungry!” This suggests that the concerns about the accommodations go beyond just the physical space and extend to the overall living conditions and nourishment provided to the athletes.

Airweave’s “anti-sex” beds used at the Paris Olympic Village in a video uploaded on July 25, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Cheddar

The debate surrounding the Olympic Village has also sparked discussions about the evolution of the Olympic Games, with some viewers expressing a preference for the “good old days” when the competition was solely amateur. As one person stated, “The Olympics were so much better when it was all amateur competition.” This sentiment reflects a longing for a simpler time when the focus was more on the purity of the sport, rather than the commercialization and professionalization that has occurred in recent years.

Tied to this view is the perception that some athletes are too spoiled and entitled, with one person commenting, “Some of these athletes are clearly spoilt and feel entitled rather than accept graciously the hospitality provided.” This perspective suggests that the athletes’ complaints about the accommodations are seen as a sign of their lack of appreciation for the opportunity to represent their country and participate in the Olympic Games.

Airweave’s bosses discussing their “anti-sex” beds used at the Paris Olympic Village in a video uploaded on July 25, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Cheddar

Adding to the debate, some individuals have raised concerns about the inclusion of professional athletes in the Olympic Games, with one reader stating, “What is more shocking is that these are professional tennis players earning hundreds of thousands of pounds or dollars. It should not be included as an Olympic sport.” This view reflects a belief that the presence of well-paid professional athletes undermines the spirit and purpose of the Olympic Games.

Furthering this line of criticism, some viewers have expressed frustration with the perceived prioritization of spectacle and global celebrity over the experience of the athletes themselves. As one person shared, “The organizers must have spent a fortune for the Opening Ceremony on global celebrities visiting, including the superstar singers performing.” This suggests a belief that the resources and focus of the Olympic organizers have been misallocated, with more attention given to the entertainment value of the event rather than the well-being and support of the competing athletes.