As the curtain rises on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the eyes of sports enthusiasts around the world are not only focused on the upcoming showdowns, but also on the daily experiences of athletes. Especially in the context of environmental protection becoming the core theme of the Games, the living conditions of athletes have become a window into the green commitment of the Games.
The photo of the ice shoulder shared by Korea table tennis player Tian Zhixi has undoubtedly become a catalyst for this topic, stimulating the public to think deeply about environmental protection practices and athletes' well-being.
The Paris Olympics are committed to setting a benchmark for environmental protection, from event planning to venue construction, every step of the way demonstrates ecological care. However, the collision between ideals and reality has also sparked public discussion, especially on the use of air conditioning in athletes' accommodations. There was unconfirmed information that the Chinese delegation was bringing its own air conditioners to France, but this claim was quickly debunked by the authorities.
In fact, the Chinese delegation chose to lease a building with a complete central heating and cooling system, which is not only strategically located next to the beautiful Seine River, but also designed to be user-friendly, creating a pleasant living and working environment for the participants and staff.
The size of the Chinese sports delegation is huge, with a total of about 405 athletes, which is one of the highest in the world, which has led many netizens to joke that if the Chinese men's and women's football teams can also qualify, the lineup of the delegation will be even more spectacular. The large size of the team gave the Chinese delegation more flexibility in terms of accommodation and training facilities, allowing them to prioritize more spacious and comfortable locations.
In contrast, the Korea team adopted an innovative cooling strategy in response to the high temperatures in Paris - ice shoulders. The equipment is available in two variants: one with a pouch for ice cubes for instant cooling; The other can be worn directly from the refrigerator, bringing a quick cooling effect to athletes. Despite its creativity, some athletes have reported a lack of comfort in practice.
Looking back, whether it is the Summer Olympics or the Winter Olympics, China has struggled to find a balance between frugality and comfort to provide first-class accommodation for its athletes. However, the accommodation conditions in the Paris Olympic Village do not seem to fully meet expectations, especially the more compact rooms and beds, which pose a challenge to the rest and recovery of the athletes.
In the much-discussed accommodation topic, the bed of national table tennis star Fan Zhendong has become the focus of heated discussions. Although he optimistically said that the accommodation conditions in the national table tennis were spacious, careful observers found that the shooting technique subtly magnified the sense of space, and its actual conditions were no different from those of other athletes. Fan Zhendong's humor and positive attitude have won praise from netizens.
The Chinese table tennis team is known for their resilience and perseverance, and they can quickly adjust and devote themselves to the game, no matter where they are or what the conditions are. In the face of the challenge of accommodation at the Paris Olympics, they showed a calm attitude, believing that with their own efforts and teamwork, they will be able to win the championship and write a brilliant chapter.