Are the cardboard beds provided for athletes at the Paris Olympics intended to prevent them from having sex?

As the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris approach, an old rumor about cardboard beds making a return to discourage intimacy among athletes has resurfaced.

First introduced during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, these beds, supposedly constructed from disposable cardboard, were falsely labelled as "anti-sex beds" in an effort to mitigate COVID-19 transmission risks among participants.

The misinformation spread quickly on social media platforms like Twitter (now X), where athletes expressed concerns over the beds' alleged flimsiness.

Team USA Olympic runner Paul Chelimo famously tweeted about the beds being designed to withstand only the weight of a single person, sparking a wave of speculation and humour about their effectiveness.

Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan played a pivotal role in dispelling these myths. In a video shared on social media, McClenaghan tested the durability of the cardboard beds by jumping and somersaulting on one, proving its sturdiness and debunking claims of fragility.

Olympic officials also chimed in, confirming that the beds were designed with sustainability in mind, being 100% made in France and composed of recyclable materials.

The truth is that these cardboard beds, while unconventional, are part of Paris 2024's commitment to environmental responsibility.

They consist of three modules that allow athletes to adjust firmness and length based on their preferences. Furthermore, the beds are set to be recycled locally after the Games, marking a significant step in the Olympics' sustainability efforts.

Despite initial concerns and social media speculation, athletes like British diver Tom Daley have showcased the beds' durability and functionality, emphasizing their suitability for the Games' needs.

Daley's Instagram post highlighted the beds' comfort features, including mattresses and personalized comforters, contradicting earlier claims of discomfort.

The "anti-sex" narrative surrounding the cardboard beds at the Paris Olympics is a prime example of how misinformation can spread rapidly in the digital age.

The reality is that these beds are not designed to inhibit intimacy but rather to promote sustainability and provide athletes with a comfortable, eco-friendly resting place during their time at the Games.

Athletes will continue to settle into the Olympic Village but the focus will remain on their performance and the positive environmental impact of these innovative sleeping arrangements.