Many people are skeptical about the durability of the cardboard beds for athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, considering them to be a minimalistic accommodation.
Unconventional Bed Frames
The beds designed for Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Paris this year are supplied by Airweave, a Japanese company and the official partner of the Olympics.
Although the bed legs are made from recycled cardboard, the manufacturer claims that they are very sturdy and can support a weight of up to 200 kg.
The choice of cardboard as the primary material for sleeping arrangements not only aligns with ecological standards but is also part of the effort to reduce carbon emissions at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The cardboard bed for athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The mattress and bed frame are made from 100% recyclable materials, fitting into the broader environmental goals of the Paris 2024 Games.
The quality and durability of these beds have been rigorously tested to ensure they provide comfort and suitability for all athletes, regardless of their sport or physical condition.
Mr. Motokuni Takaoka, CEO of Airweave, stated: “Inside the mattress are three air fiber blocks. Each fiber has a different firmness on each side. By adjusting these blocks, we can customize the mattress for each athlete.”
The air fiber blocks are filled with non-toxic polyethylene, preventing pest infiltration while allowing for easy movement and reuse.
Diving athlete Tom Daley (30, UK) performs a short video on TikTok, testing the bed’s durability.
In a video posted on July 22, Daley conducted a “durability test” of the bed by tapping on the headboard and pulling firmly on the bed frame. He also introduced viewers to the mattress, mattress cover, and bedding provided. “As you can see, they are quite sturdy,” Daley said after jumping onto the bed.
On the headboard, there is an inscription that reads “Rêvez vos exploits de demain” (translated: Dream of your achievements tomorrow). Daley noted that this was a small yet charming detail. Previously, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, several athletes also refuted rumors that the cardboard beds were prone to breaking.
From the organizers’ perspective, a representative stated: “For Paris 2024, the choice of these beds for the Olympic & Paralympic Village is closely tied to a larger ambition to ensure minimal environmental impact and create a ‘second life’ for all equipment used during the brief period of the Games.”
