From an expansive dining hall to cardboard beds, here’s a look at what goes on in the athletes’ Olympic Village
The Paris Olympics kicked off on July 26 and apart from its extravagant opening ceremony, lavish sports arenas and exciting competitions, the Olympic Village has been in the spotlight—after all, this village is typically restricted for the camera crew and cheering fans, making it all the more mysterious.
According to the official Olympics website, this year’s Village accommodates 14,250 athletes during the Olympic Games and is set to house 8,000 athletes during the Paralympic Games (August 28 to September 8) and feature a dining area, medical clinic and more. After the games, the Village will be converted into a neighbourhood with a hotel, 2,500 new homes, gardens and parks, and shops, among others.
Fortunately for us, many Olympians have begun documenting their experiences in the village and sharing them on social media, providing us with a glimpse into their home for the next few days.
Read more: Highlights from the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony
The rooms
This year, bedrooms have been designed with climate consciousness in mind. This means sleeping on cardboard beds fitted with mattresses made from AirFiber by Japanese bedding company Airweave. Each mattress also comprises three modules that offer various levels of firmness. The beds will be recycled into various products after the Games.
The organiser’s emphasis on sustainability also means forgoing air conditioning in the rooms. Instead, they have opted for a more environmentally friendly water-cooling system where a geothermal system pipes in cool water underneath floors.