Wooden Beds Replace Cardboard at 2026 Winter Olympics, Athlete Confirms
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach in Milano-Cortina, one pressing question has emerged among competitors and fans alike: How are the beds in the Olympic Village? British ice dancer Phebe Bekker, making her Olympic debut, has provided a definitive answer through a social media video that contrasts sharply with recent Summer Games experiences.
From Cardboard to Wood: A Material Shift
Following widespread criticism during the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where athletes slept on beds made from cardboard frames, the 2026 Winter Games appear to mark a return to traditional materials. In her video, Bekker enters her room in the Milan Olympic Village and immediately addresses the curiosity surrounding sleeping arrangements.
"I'm here to answer the question everybody's asking," she declares before approaching the bed. With a firm knock on the frame, she confirms: it's made of wood. Her assessment—"looking good"—signals a departure from the flimsier cardboard predecessors that dominated Olympic housing in recent years.
Bekker's Verification Process
The British athlete didn't stop at merely inspecting the frame. She proceeded to press down on the bedding, verifying the presence of a proper mattress before exclaiming, "Whoa!" in apparent relief. Her conclusion to the clip leaves little doubt: "Heard it here first: There are no cardboard beds—well, as far as I know."
Bekker, who competes with partner James Hernandez, further highlighted her role as an insider source by sharing a news report on her Instagram Story. Her caption—"I'm glad I've been a helpful inside source"—underscores the significance of this seemingly mundane yet highly scrutinized aspect of Olympic life.
The Cardboard Bed Legacy
The use of cardboard furniture originated at the Tokyo 2021 Summer Games, promoted as an environmentally friendly initiative. However, speculation also swirled that these beds were designed to discourage extracurricular activities in the dormitories, a particular concern given the COVID-19 pandemic delays and associated safety measures, including an "intimacy ban."
Paris 2024 continued the cardboard trend, albeit without the pandemic restrictions. The shift to wooden frames in Milano-Cortina 2026 suggests a reevaluation of athlete comfort and perhaps a response to prior feedback.
Olympic Village Details
The Milan Olympic Village, which opened on January 30, 2026, one week before the Opening Ceremonies, is set to accommodate approximately 1,700 athletes and staff. Constructed by a private developer, it is planned for conversion into student housing after the Paralympic Games conclude.
Additionally, a temporary Athletes Village in Cortina d'Ampezzo comprises 377 mobile homes, ensuring housing for competitors across both host locations. This infrastructure highlights the scale and planning involved in hosting a global sporting event.
As athletes settle in for the competitions, Bekker's revelation offers a glimpse into the improved living conditions at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a small but meaningful upgrade in the athlete experience.
