Abstinence Olympics: ‘Awareness’ condoms, ‘anti-sex’ beds and a booze ban
The organisers of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo have repeatedly said that they will host a safe contest during the worsening COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. One of the prominent public health measures in the rulebook says athletes must “avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact” – the organisers seem determined to stop competitors from being intimate.
ANTI-SEX OLYMPICS
Hundreds of thousands of condoms have been distributed at Olympic Villages since the 1998 games in Seoul to encourage safe sex. At the 2016 Rio Games, a record 450 000 condoms were distributed.
Despite its anti-sex stance, Tokyo Organisers planned to distribute 160 000 condoms to athletes. The move left many bemused since the rulebook for athletes specifically warns to “avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact.”
In defence, organisers said the condom distribution was meant to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) asked for the handouts to continue this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
“The distributed condoms are not meant to be used at the Olympic Village,” said the organisers at the time, insisting that athletes take them home with them to raise awareness. Now, the condoms will be handed out to athletes as they are leaving Tokyo, according to USA Today.
Athletes will also not be allowed to purchase alcohol or bring it into the village. However, they may consume it alone in their rooms if they brought their own supply in their luggage.
Perhaps the most rib-tickling move by the IOC to stop socialising is the ‘anti-sex beds’ – not an official name but it has stuck, nonetheless, as the beds can reportedly only withstand the weight of a single person and will fold because of sudden movements.
Athletes have reportedly raised concerns about the structural integrity of the beds, according to AFP.
“…many doubt they will be able to hold themselves back given that the traditional post-competition coupling has left a trail of broken beds from Athens to London and Rio,” wrote the news agency.
The makers of the cardboard bed, however, remain confident and said the beds won’t fold “as long as they stick to just two people in the beds.”
Additional reporting by AFP
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