The infamous cardboard beds of the Olympics (Nathan Laine/Bloomberg/Getty).
Most of us are aware of the lore surrounding the cardboard beds of the Olympics. A precaution allegedly enforced by Olympic officials to help lessen the number of athletic feats occurring outside of competitions. Some night-time extracurriculars, if you will. Most of us were likely under the impression that athletes were more focused on keeping their heads in the game than other places; however, that may not be the case. So, why cardboard beds? We’ll explain it all below!
Cardboard Beds At The Olympics?
For an unclear reason, the Olympics pretend that the beds were chosen for environmental reasons. In an embarrassing fashion, they posted a Tik Tok that showed the beds are sustainable and the material was 100% made in France. They also made sure to share that the beds would be recycled after they were used. Recycling cardboard. How… novel.
How’s Sleeping On Cardboard Anyway?
There are some mixed reviews on the comfortability of the mattresses. However, the majority are not positive. The bed has a different level of softness on either side of the mattress; however, the options appear to be extra-firm and hard as a rock. Another athlete said it felt like their “back would fall off” after a night’s rest.
Most people would say that athletes should be feeling their best and getting their Zs during one of the most physically challenging times of their lives. However, the Olympics don’t agree. They would prefer their participants have interrupted, uncomfortable bouts of shut-eye while they worry if their bed will collapse. Awesome!
The Controversy Of The Cardboard Bed
Allegedly, the beds are actually used to avoid people getting to know each other in the biblical sense. That is far more believable than the environmentally friendly idea the Olympics are peddling to us. The rumors came out in 2021, along with the beds.
Legend says that the sporting event is a very activity-filled event, and not just during the competitions, and so this was the Olympics sly way of trying to reduce some of the fun. However, athletes like Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan posted on his social media his attempts to test his sleeping quarters strength. It appears to be strong enough to jump on, do summersaults on, and feel like your back is broken on.
You Can Get Your Own Recyclable Rest
If you are in the market for your own cardboard bed, you are in luck. The Goods of Japan offers cardboard bedding for ’emergency disasters’ which apparently include the Olympics. There are only two reviews in Japanese that are not translatable so the mystery is out on the comfortability of this bed.
If for some reason traditional box springs and bed frames are not for you, the cardboard versions might be just the thing. One bed from Ali Express actually curls up like an accordion or a file box folder, making it an interesting guest room choice. The memory foam mattress is a nice touch, though. Yona US also offers a unique bed frame of sorts that appears to be highly rated. The key to the cardboard is that, sans an emergency, you actually put a mattress on top. Something the Olympics forgoes in favor of thin mattress toppers.
