Despite the organizers’ explanations, rumors about the “anti-sex beds” made of cardboard in the Tokyo Olympic Village continue to spark lively discussions online.
In recent days, netizens have been talking about the beds made of cardboard in the Olympic Village in Tokyo. Many are wondering if these “delicate” beds are designed to prevent athletes from engaging in “vigorous activities.”
Cardboard beds and polyethylene mattresses in the Tokyo Olympic Village – (Photo: AFP).
The joke about the “anti-sex beds” was first made by Paul Chelimo, an American track and field athlete who won a silver medal in the 5,000 meters at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
“The purpose of this bed is to prevent athletes from having sex. The bed can only support the weight of one person to avoid situations that exceed athletic limits. I don’t see any problem with long-distance runners; even four people can pile on it…” Chelimo tweeted.
Chelimo shares about the bed at the Olympics. (Photo: TWITTER).
However, the reality is different. The organizers intentionally made the beds from cardboard and the mattresses from polyethylene beads to ensure they can be recycled after the Olympics. The manufacturer, Airweave, stated that the bed, which is 2.1 meters long, can support a maximum weight of 200 kg.
“It’s even sturdier than wooden beds,” said Takashi Kitajima, the village manager.
Since the Seoul Olympics in 1988, condoms have always been distributed to athletes participating in the Olympics to raise awareness about AIDS.
The Tokyo Olympic organizers also planned to distribute 150,000 condoms, but due to Covid-19 precautions, athletes would only receive them as souvenirs when preparing to return home, not during their stay.
Additionally, athletes are encouraged to “limit physical contact to a minimum,” such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
The Tokyo 2020 guidebook contains many health regulations, and violations can result in fines, disqualification, medal revocation, or even expulsion from the country.
