An ex-Olympian has revealed why so much sex happens in the Olympic Village during the games. It’s an odd thing to hear from the outside, but it turns out that athletes get the tendency to enjoy themselves that bit too much when they’re closed off from the outside world during those competitive two weeks.
A Tradition of Preparation
In fact, since the 1980s, condoms have been handed out at the beginning of each Olympic Games to ensure that the athletes are safe when they have sex. Even though it is discouraged by the organization. This practice highlights the recognition of the inevitable human behaviors that occur in the high-stress, high-energy environment of the Olympics
The Pinnacle of Athletic Dedication
Known as the pinnacle of sports, athletes dedicate their lives to competing. This requires incredibly busy and sometimes unreasonable training schedules during the year, leaving little time for socializing. The Olympics provide a rare opportunity for these individuals to relax and connect with others who understand their unique lifestyle.
The COVID-19 Factor
COVID is no longer a factor like it was in Tokyo in 2021, so certain athletes will surely be thrilled with the prospect of being cooped up with other fellow sportspeople. The return to a more traditional Olympic experience could amplify the social dynamics within the Village.
Inevitable Encounters: A Former Olympian Speaks
Former Olympian Susen Tiedtke spoke to the New York Post back in July 2021. She said that sex at the Olympics is “inevitable no matter what.” Tiedtke, a German former long jumper who competed in the Olympics in 1992 and 2000, explained: “The athletes are at their physical peak at the Olympics. When the competition is over, they want to release their energy.”
A Release of Pent-Up Energy
Outsiders may not view it as a lads/gals holiday, but it is looking increasingly like it for the sportspeople who have worked their arses off for the last four years to make it this far. Competing on such a big stage—and potentially even winning a medal or breaking a record—can get the hormones going as the endorphins release. This is sure to put your sex drive through the roof.
The Science Behind the Surge
Sex expert and relationship therapist Tammy Nelson weighed in on the topic with some science to back her points up. She added: “With the right amount of anticipation, adrenaline and dopamine can suppress stress and even decrease negative thoughts and feelings of guilt and stress. It may contribute to a heightened awareness of our feelings and can intensify our sexual desire.”
The Hormonal Impact
Nelson further explained: “Hormones like serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine are brain chemicals that influence sex drive and sexual arousal.” Serotonin is the happy hormone, so when you’re pleased and feeling accomplished, your body releases serotonin. Now imagine you’ve just won an Olympic gold medal—the serotonin levels would be unprecedented.
The Dopamine Effect
Dopamine is known as the ‘feel-good’ hormone and neurotransmitter. It’s crucial to your brain’s reward system, and your body will no doubt release this in abundance if you were to set a new Olympic or World record. This chemical cocktail creates a potent drive for physical intimacy.
The Thrill of Variety
Nelson also highlighted the importance of ‘variety in sex.’ which might explain why athletes seem to go around like it’s spring break in the Olympic Village. “Sexual variety can increase the releases of adrenaline, dopamine, and other chemicals that contribute to thrill and adventure. This may, for some, make the pursuit of sex more rewarding,” she concluded.
The Eco-Friendly Beds: A Tokyo Tale
During the Tokyo 2021 Games, the organizers introduced eco-friendly beds made of recyclable cardboard to highlight sustainability. These beds, though sturdy and designed to hold up to 200 kilograms, were rumored to be “anti-sex” beds. However, athletes quickly debunked this myth, showing the beds’ durability through various social media posts. The use of these beds not only emphasized environmental consciousness but also became an unexpected talking point about the realities of athlete life in the Village.
A Perfect Storm of Factors
The combination of a physical peak, the culmination of years of effort, the thrill of competition, and the rare opportunity for social variety creates a perfect storm for heightened sexual activity among athletes during the Olympic Games. Understanding these factors sheds light on the often misunderstood culture of the Olympic Village.