Paris Olympics 2024: No Alcohol, but 300,000 Condoms for Olympians Nearly Double Compared to Tokyo

As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris Olympics 2024, more than 10,500 athletes will find a “home away from home” in the Olympic and Paralympic Village. Stretching across the communes of Saint-Denis, Ile Saint-Denis, and Saint-Ouen, the village will serve as a vibrant social hub. Described as a melting pot where athletes mingle, flirt, and celebrate their achievements, four-time Olympic medalist Summer Sanders famously remarked, “What happens in the village stays in the village,” comparing the atmosphere to that of Las Vegas.

Since the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, condoms have been given out for safe sex encounters. But at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, COVID-19 protocols limited close contact despite distributing 160,000 condoms. Now, as the City of Love gears up for Paris 2024, organizers once again embrace romantic connections among athletes. In a surprising twist, while the condom count doubles this year, the decision to keep the games “dry” sans alcohol is put in place.

Dry Games and double the condoms at the Paris Olympics 2024

According to Sky News, at the Paris Olympics in 2024, there’s one thing that won’t be flowing quite as freely as in previous years: alcohol. That’s right, the organizers have decided to keep the games dry, as alcohol will not be sold to the public at competition venues. While athletes from around the globe prepare to converge in the City of Lights, they’ll have to toast their victories with sparkling water instead of champagne. Laurent Michaud, the director of the Olympic and Paralympic Villages, said, “No champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris.” But while the champagne may be on hiatus, there’s another essential provision making waves—300,000 condoms.

The Olympic accommodation, athletes will be provided with sturdy cardboard bed frames capable of supporting up to 250kg of weight. Additionally, 300,000 condoms will be provided in the Olympic Village, nearly enough for each athlete to have two per day throughout the Games. As we reflect on this massive gearing up for some serious Olympic-level athleticism and mingling, let us see what other provisions athletes can enjoy at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Other facilities provided at the Olympic and Paralympic Village

Officially opening on July 18, 2024, the Olympic Village has been designed with sustainability in mind, with features such as a carbon footprint 30% smaller than that of a modern construction project. The main dining hall in the Olympic Village will feature a buffet with food from around the world. The menu will rotate every eight days and cater to all dietary and nutritional needs. Additionally, there will be a variety of food options available, including French specialties.

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A 24-hour fitness center will be available for athletes to warm up, train, and recover. The Village Club will serve as a place for athletes to relax, socialize, and watch coverage of the games. The Village will also include a multi-faith center, a Village Plaza with various services, such as a hair salon, merchandise store, and post office, and an Athlete365 House. With a commitment to ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of its residents, the Paris Olympic Village is set to host history makers and provide them with an unforgettable experience amidst the enchanting backdrop of the city of love.

Also read: Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics Usain Bolt Enters the French Fashion Scene