Olympic gold medalist Thomas Ceccon was recently seen sleeping in a park within the Olympic Village, a decision that seems to stem from his dissatisfaction with the accommodations provided. A photo of the Italian swimmer, who clinched gold in the 100-meter backstroke, was shared by Saudi rower Husein Alireza. The image showed Ceccon asleep on a white towel under a tree, a stark contrast to the usual comfort expected by athletes at such a prestigious event.
Ceccon had previously voiced his complaints about the living conditions in the Olympic Village during the Paris Games. His grievances came to light after he failed to qualify for the 200-meter backstroke final. The swimmer cited the lack of air conditioning, the heat, and the poor quality of food as reasons for his discontent. He stated that these conditions were not excuses but the reality that many athletes were facing, a reality that was perhaps unknown to many.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced criticism for the lack of air conditioning and the use of cardboard beds in the Olympic Village. These measures, intended to be environmentally friendly, have been met with widespread disapproval. The quality and quantity of food have also been a point of contention. Andy Anson, the head of the British Olympic Association, highlighted the shortage of certain foods and the serving of raw meat to athletes.
The conditions have led to a number of athletes seeking alternative accommodations. The entire U.S. women’s tennis team, with the exception of Coco Gauff, opted to leave the village. The recyclable beds, introduced in 2024, have been a source of humor due to their design to support only one person, leading to jokes about them being “anti-sex”. However, the more pressing issue is that they do not seem to provide a comfortable sleep for even a single person.
Matilda Kearns, a member of the Australian water polo team, shared that she had to get a massage to “undo the damage” caused by the cardboard mattress. Ceccon’s decision to sleep in the park, while unusual, may not be the worst idea considering the circumstances.