The Olympic Village is not just about exciting competition; it's also known for a different kind of action that takes place after hours.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina officially kicking off today (February 6), athletes are gearing up for more than just athletic glory, and one significant change has many of them cheering.
The Cardboard Bed Controversy
Since 2020, athletes have had to sleep on "anti-sex" beds, which were made of cardboard.
According to organizers, the eco-friendly design was meant to minimize environmental impact, not to restrict after-hours activities.
But with the Winter Games beginning soon, the 2026 accommodations feature stronger, more traditional beds, which will surely help athletes recharge after a day of intense competition.
In a TikTok video shared by British ice dancer Phebe Bekker, she gave fans a first look at her sleeping arrangements upon her arrival in the Olympic Village.
"I just arrived at the Olympic Village, and I think it’s time to answer a question everyone’s been asking: 'Are the beds cardboard?'" she said, before revealing that, “There are no cardboard beds. Well, as far as I know.”
A History of Hookups in the Olympic Village
The cardboard designs from previous Olympics became notorious for their perceived connection to the Olympics' sexual culture.
Alpine skier Laurenne Ross revealed in a 2018 interview that she had "hooked up with everyone" at the Games, while other athletes like skeleton racer John Daly have speculated that the physical appeal of Olympians and their "tight Spandex" uniforms create the perfect environment for casual encounters.
“Incredibly good-looking [athletes], perfect bodies... of course there’s gonna be some hooking up!” he joked.
The Olympic Village is certainly no stranger to intimate rendezvous, and a well-known feature of these gatherings is the free distribution of condoms.
Paralympic skier Andrew Kurka playfully described them as "Olympic strong," while others, like Paralympic sled hockey athlete Rico Roman, embraced the Village motto: "What happens in the Olympic Village, stays in the Olympic Village."
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy promise not only to improve athletes' sleeping arrangements but also to focus on long-term urban development.
For example, the Milano Olympic and Paralympic Village, which is located on a former railway site, will be converted into student housing after the Games.
This urban renewal initiative aims to help the surrounding community well beyond the Games themselves.
In addition to this, athletes like Bekker will be able to enjoy other perks at the Village, including free, unlimited vending machines.
These amenities make the village a hub not only for competition but also for social interaction and camaraderie - including the opportunity to unwind after long training sessions or intense competitions.