Rebecca Manzi They seem very fragile, but they are not: the cardboard beds of the Olympic Games resist the toughest challenges, as some athletes have shown
@sofireinoso/Instagram @daria_sav/Instagram
In anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the innovative use of recycled cardboard beds for athletes’ accommodations has once again garnered attention. These eco-friendly beds, first introduced during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, have been selected for the upcoming games to help reduce the event’s environmental impact.
Designed for easy disassembly and recycling, these beds represent a forward-thinking choice that aligns with sustainable practices. The cardboard bed design sparked curiosity and debate during the previous Olympics, primarily due to concerns about their apparent fragility, which some mistakenly linked to restrictions on intimacy among athletes.
During the Tokyo Olympics, such interpretations led to unfounded rumors, which were later debunked. In Paris, the debate over the beds has continued to attract interest, although official restrictions on athletes’ behavior have been lifted.
Athletes put the beds to the test
Athletes have shared their experiences with these beds on social media, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Among those who documented their use of the beds are Sofia Reinoso from Mexico, Aleah Finnegan from the Philippines, and Tilly Kearns from Australia. However, some athletes took their testing further, putting the beds under considerable stress.
Australian tennis players Ellen Perez and Daria Saville tested the durability of the beds at the Olympic Village, documenting their findings in a video shared on social media. In the video, the athletes demonstrate that despite their cardboard construction, the beds can withstand rigorous use, proving their durability.
These beds are designed to support up to 440 pounds and feature adjustable mattresses to ensure maximum comfort for the athletes. Additionally, each bed comes with a duvet that athletes can take home as a souvenir, serving as a memento of this memorable experience.
The decision to use cardboard beds at the Paris 2024 Olympics is not only a practical environmental measure but also a powerful statement about the future of sustainability in international events, showing that innovation and environmental respect can go hand in hand.
