The Olympic Village is supposed to be a haven for the world’s top athletes. However, gold medalist Thomas Ceccon has expressed dissatisfaction with the living conditions at the village.
Despite winning two medals this week, Ceccon described the accommodations as “subpar.” He even went as far as choosing to sleep outside in a park rather than staying in a room with a cardboard bed. A photo of him sleeping next to a bench under a tree circulated on social media, capturing the attention of many.
Ceccon’s complaints about the lack of air conditioning, the poor quality of the food, and the difficulty of getting a good night’s sleep have raised concerns. The Italian swimming federation has clarified that the photo of Ceccon sleeping outside was unrelated to his earlier comments about the Olympic Village.
It seems that Ceccon is not the only athlete who has criticized the conditions. Coco Gauff, a member of the USA tennis team, revealed that one of her teammates left the village due to cramped quarters. French swimmer Assia Touati shared her experience of living without air conditioning in her bedroom until it was eventually installed due to the heat. Australian water polo player Matilda Kearns even had to get a massage to relieve the discomfort from sleeping on a mattress in the Olympic Village.
It’s clear that some athletes are finding the grassy park a more appealing option than the Village. The organizers should address these concerns to ensure that the world’s top athletes have a comfortable and enjoyable experience during the Olympics.
