Illustration by Trịnh Lập

By Thanh Nga

Three hundred thousand condoms have been distributed to over 10,000 athletes at the ongoing 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, accompanied by messages promoting safety and respect in relationships.

Upon arrival at the Olympic Village, athletes found condoms included in their toiletry bags. Each condom was carefully packaged with messages like: "On the field of love, play fair. Ask for consent" and "No need to be a gold medalist to wear it."

The Olympic mascot Phryge, a symbol of freedom, is also featured on the packaging, adding a friendly and approachable touch.

This marks a return to the tradition of condom distribution after the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where a sex ban was imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While it may seem unconventional, condoms have been provided at the Olympics for nearly 40 years. The first instance was during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where around 6,000 condoms were distributed to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention and promote safe sex and healthy behaviours, according to the International Olympic Committee. Since then, it has become a staple at the Games.

This year, the organisers prepared 300,000 condoms for the athletes, double the 150,000 provided at the Tokyo Olympics, though still fewer than the 450,000 distributed at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Canadian sailor Sarah Douglas, known for her outstanding performance, shared her Olympic Village room on TikTok. Her goodie bag, left on her bed, included items like a cell phone, water bottles, and a toiletry bag. It also contained small packages with playful figures and messages, which turned out to be condoms. "Fair play, safe play," one package read. "Consent first."

Laurent Michaud, director of the Olympic Village, told Sky News that his goal was to create a sociable environment where athletes felt excited and comfortable. This initiative not only focuses on the athletes' safety but also fosters a friendly, respectful atmosphere.

The distribution of 300,000 condoms, accompanied by thoughtful messages, aims to raise awareness and cultivate a safe environment for all athletes competing at the Olympics. The issue of sexual activity among athletes has often been a topic of discussion at the Games. Susen Tiedtke, a former German long jumper who competed in the 1992 and 2000 Olympics, noted that even if the organising committee tried to restrict it, it would be challenging to prevent.

"Athletes are in peak physical condition. They expend a lot of energy training and competing at the Olympics and need a way to release that energy. If they're prevented, it could lead to frustration," Tiedtke said.

The Tokyo Olympics organisers clarified that their goal wasn't to encourage condom use within the village but to promote awareness of safe sex. The distribution of 300,000 condoms at the Paris Games is significant, but the question arises: do athletes use that many?

Unless every single athlete is having sex every single day, the answer must be no. Athletes often take condoms as unique souvenirs for friends and family, attracted by the eye-catching packaging that serves as a memorable Olympic keepsake.

The condom distribution policy reflects the Olympics' complex interplay between elite sports, public health, sustainability, and changing social attitudes towards sex and sexuality. Another notable aspect of the Paris Olympics has been the cardboard beds in the athletes' village, similar to those used in Tokyo.

Athletes in 2021 dubbed these beds "anti-sex", referencing a longstanding rumour that the Olympic Village is a hotspot for hookups among competitors. However, organisers emphasised that the beds' design prioritises sustainability rather than limiting sexual activity.

The cardboard beds at the Tokyo Olympics were designed with sturdiness in mind, not to prevent sexual activity but to promote environmental sustainability and caution against infectious diseases.

As the Olympics continue to adapt their approach to athlete sexuality and sexual health, these policies highlight the organisation's efforts to balance public health, sustainability, and the evolving social landscape.

The condom distribution and bed design choices at Paris 2024 reflect the Olympics' commitment to creating an environment that supports both athlete performance and overall wellbeing. VNS