These Olympians Are Going Viral on TikTok: See The Village
If you’re viewing the 2024 Paris Olympics from the comfort of your own home, you might be wondering what really goes on when the Games and performances are over. Where do the Olympians stay and what is it really like to live in the Olympic Village for two weeks?
Well, lucky for everyone, it’s 2024 and it’s hard to keep a secret when you can share all these answers over social media. Everyone’s favorite Olympians are taking advantage of TikTok to show off the village and what it’s really like to stay in the provided housing.
From gymnasts to swimmers, these Olympians have taken it upon themselves to give audiences the inside scoop on what their lives are like for those two weeks in Paris, France — and it’s not as luxurious as you might think. Here are the athletes you should be following if you want to know all about the truth about these quarters.
1. Tom Daley (@tomdaley on TikTok
The Olympic gold medalist and British diver took to TikTok to show what the sleeping arrangements are for himself and other athletes. The beds are commonly referred to by Olympians as “anti-sex” beds and are allegedly made from cardboard materials to discourage intimacy during the Games.
He described the beds, saying, “This is cardboard.” He continued in the video, “Then you’ve got the mattress and then this cardboard with the mattress on top with a mattress topper. And then, we get our own Paris ‘24 [comforter].
2. Aleah Finnegan (@aleahfinn on TikTok)
The Filipino-American gymnast, who has qualified to represent the Philippines at the Olympics, gave an inside look at the dining hall and the options available for athletes. She went on to share that the food was “good, not really seasoned.” But given there are 14,250 athletes to serve, who can blame them for missing a bit of seasoning.
3. Keet Oldenbeuving (@keet.oldenbeuving on TikTok)
The Dutch skateboarder, who is returning for her second Olympic Games, shared a “day in the life” video of what it’s like to live in the Olympic Village. She started out by heading to the dining hall for breakfast, followed by a technical meeting and getting to see the skate park for the first time.
4. Sunisa Lee (@sunisalee on TikTok)
The 21-year-old Olympic gymnast gave a behind-the-scenes look of what it’s like for herself and other gymnasts while staying in Olympic Village. While she was sure to share how thrilled she and all of her teammates are, Lee did point out the cardboard beds and the AC unit that they had to bring with them.
5. Caroline Marks (@carolinemarks1 on TikTok)
American surfer Caroline Marks might have it a little different than most Olympians. While most of the athletes are staying in the Paris Olympic Village, Marks and the surfers are in Tahiti for their competition. She shared a TikTok showing off the gorgeous place she and her teammates get to stay, making all of her viewers pretty jealous.
6. Levi Jung-Ruvivar (@levijungruvivar)
This Filipino-American gymnast gave viewers a tour of the Olympic Village grocery store. The 18-year-old Olympian showed off all of the products offered at the store, explaining they have “everything that you could possibly imagine.”
7. Camilla Kemp (@camilla_kemp on TikTok)
This professional surfer for Team Germany shared a TikTok of the “First Ever Floating Olympic Village,” which is in Tahiti. The surfer shared a video of the Aranui 5 cruise ship, which is hosting all the surfers throughout the games.
8. Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher on TikTok)
The U.S. Women's rugby star has been going viral throughout the Games thanks to her refreshing takes on health and wellness, her approach to beauty and her humor. In one video, she and fellow rugby team members tested out the strength of the Olympic Village cardboard beds to determine if they were sturdy. The tests didn't consist of your average movement while sleeping, however, but rather took the form of an Irish jig, different yoga poses, wrestling and more. To say that Maher is an absolute hit on social media is an understatement.
Maher has continued to go viral since the Olympics came to a close, particularly thanks to her stellar Sports Illustrated cover shoot. The professional athlete's understanding of viral trends resonates not only with young viewers, but with anyone inspired by her amazing skills!
"At just 28 years old, Ilona Maher has already made a name for herself both on and off the rugby field," S.I. wrote of the star. "The Vermont native, who led Team USA to its first bronze #Olympic medal in rugby sevens at the Paris games earlier this summer, is breaking the stereotype of what it means to be a female athlete."
Keep reading for more entertainment!
Jennie Garth Partners With QVC to Launch New Clothing Line: 'I Choose Me'
Bruce Springsteen Is Now a Billionaire: Inside the Financial Milestone
