While most athletes at the Paris Olympic Village are dealing with cardboard beds and non-air conditioned rooms, select competitors are staying on a luxury cruise ship 15,000km away. The Aranui 5 cruise ship, located off the coast of Tahiti, is housing some surfers participating in this year’s Games, providing amenities such as a Sky bar, dancing room, library, fitness room, and spa. Athletes have taken to social media to share their experience on the ship, showcasing a 24-hour dining hall, private bedrooms, and recreational areas.
Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi and German surfer Tim Elter have both expressed their preference for the floating village in Tahiti over the one in Paris. Elter highlighted the real aluminium bed frames and stable sleeping arrangements, emphasizing that they have it better than athletes in Paris. Athletes aboard the ship have been enjoying music and dancing on their balconies, creating a lively atmosphere. New Zealand surfer Saffi Vette joined the German competitors in enjoying the high vibes aboard the ship.
In contrast, athletes in the Paris Olympic Village have raised complaints about the cardboard beds, vegan food options, and transportation issues. Aussie water polo star Tilly Kearns described the beds as “rock solid,” while US tennis champion Coco Gauff shared a chaotic glimpse inside the Team USA living arrangements. Aussie swimming champ Ariarne Titmus noted the challenges of performing well while living in the Olympic Village. Food options have also been criticized for being insufficient and of poor quality, with reports of raw meat being served to athletes.
British Olympic Association’s chief executive and Aussie swimming great James Magnussen expressed concerns about the food options and living conditions in the Paris Olympic Village. The lack of certain foods, quality of the food, and emphasis on vegan options have been key points of contention. Magnussen highlighted the challenges faced by athletes in the current Olympic environment, suggesting that future Games may need to prioritize high performance over eco-friendly and vegan-friendly initiatives. The experiences in both the Paris Olympic Village and the floating Olympic village off Tahiti showcase the stark differences in living conditions for athletes competing in the Summer Games.
