Olympic athletes have complained about the poor living conditions in the eco-friendly Olympic Village in Paris. Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon, who won the 100-meter backstroke event, said he had struggled to perform because he was “too tired” from lack of sleep in noisy and overheated accommodations. After failing to qualify for the 200-meter contest, Ceccon said, “It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon.”
The Italian explained that the village lacks air conditioning and the “food is bad.” Reports from Paris indicate that some athletes have moved to hotels, and organizers were forced to purchase pounds of meat after competitors complained about the vegan diet on offer. The beds are also uncomfortable, athletes say.
Complaints about lack of air conditioning prompted a dismissive response from Olympic organizers, who said it isn’t necessary. Back in March, Olympic venues and infrastructure director Yann Krysinski said the village was designed for comfort but added, “We don’t need air conditioning in these buildings” because the rooms do not attract sun and “the insulation is really efficient.”
Nevertheless, Australian athlete Ariane Titmus also partly blamed her living conditions for failing to break her record in the 400-meter freestyle.
It’s not unusual for Olympic athletes to report substandard accommodations. In 2016, the Olympic village in Rio was beset with plumbing and electrical problems in the weeks leading up to the event.
Back in Paris, the situation appears especially bad. South Korea’s swimming team left for a nearby hotel, while American gymnastics champion Simone Biles said, “The bed sucks.” For many, though, the Olympic Village is part of the Olympic experience and allows the athletes to form friendships and bonds, particularly given their close living quarters.
Brian Boitano, a gold medal figure skater from the 1980s, once described life inside the village and said that sharing a small apartment with seven other competitors meant they were “such a tight unit” with “so much camaraderie.” The athletes also eat together at a 24-hour canteen.
Staying in the village is not mandatory for competitors, and several US athletes have opted for hotels in the past.
