International

Gold medalist Thomas Ceccon prefers to sleep on the grass in the park than in the Olympic Village

Italian swimming champion Thomas Ceccon has been spotted sleeping on the grass outside his Olympic Village accomodation after complaining about the uncomfortable beds and lack of air-conditioning, reports Sky News Australia. Ceccon hit the headlines this week after complaining about conditions in the Olympic Village despite winning two medals at Paris 2024.

Ceccon won gold for Italy in the 100m backstroke final on day three of the competition before failing to reach the 200m backstroke final on Wednesday.

The image of Ceccon sleeping outside followed the Olympian complained about the rough beds, lack of air conditioning and disappointing food, and admitting he struggled between the “heat and the noise” at the designated athlete village in Paris.

Since athletes may choose to stay elsewhere if they desire, Ceccon's makeshift bed outside the Olympic Village indicated that he left his dormitory in search of a more comfortable sleeping arrangement.

Husein Alireza, a member of the Saudi Arabian rowing team, posted a video on Instagram of Ceccon sleeping next to a park bench within the Olympic Village compound in Saint Denis.

The video is captioned “rest today, conquer tomorrow”, with Ceccon seen sleeping soundly on a white towel with his shoes and bag neatly placed beside him.

Ceccon told The Sun there was no air conditioning in the village and that it was hot and the food was “bad”.

“Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows,” Ceccon said.

“I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon. Here, I really struggle between the heat and the noise.”

The discontent has been so severe the American tennis team has left the Olympic Village for a nearby hotel.

Carolina Străjescu

Carolina Străjescu

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