The Olympic Village is catching serious heat after Italian gold medalist Thomas Ceccon was found sleeping beside a park bench.
You’d think living in quarters designed for the world’s best Olympians would be exciting for all athletes.
But Ceccon has some harsh words about the living conditions, despite picking up two medals this week.
Calling it ‘subpar’, the swimmer decided that sleeping outdoors was better than staying in a room with a cardboard bed.
 In a viral photo, Ceccon is seen curled up under a tree with a white towel spread out on the grass, next to a bench.
Saudi rower Husein Alireza caught Ceccon napping and posted the photo on Instagram, tagging the location as the Olympic Village grounds.
Ceccon, 23, has been vocal about his accommodations since his loss in the 200m backstroke final on July 31.
 “There is no air conditioning in the village, it’s hot, the food is bad,” Ceccon told reporters.
“Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everyone knows.”
Ceccon’s comments underscore a broader issue many athletes are facing in the village.
“I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon,” he added.
 “Usually, when I’m at home, I always sleep in the afternoon: here I really struggle between the heat and the noise.”
The Italian swimming federation FIN was quick to clarify that the photo of Ceccon sleeping was unrelated to his comments about the village.
They told news agency ANSA, “it was just a nap”, highlighting that the clip was filmed during the daytime.
 But Ceccon isn’t alone in his criticism of the Olympic Village.
Team USA’s Coco Gauff revealed that one of her tennis teammates quit the village, finding the quarters too cramped.
French swimmer Assia Touati said, “We had no AC in the bedroom but they installed it anyway because it was getting too hot.”
Australian water polo player Matilda Kearns also complained, saying she needed a massage to undo the damage from sleeping on the mattress.
So, maybe the grassy park isn’t such a bad option after all?
Let’s dive into the backstory of Ceccon’s journey to the Olympics.
Born in Thiene, Italy, Ceccon has been swimming competitively since he was a child.
 His passion for swimming was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks.
Training rigorously, Ceccon has faced numerous challenges, from injuries to tough competition.
Despite setbacks, his dedication paid off when he clinched gold at the European Championships in 2021.
His performance earned him a spot on the Olympic team, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Ceccon’s journey to Tokyo wasn’t smooth; the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training schedules and competitions.
Yet, he persevered, adapting to new routines and maintaining his focus.
His hard work culminated in winning two Olympic medals, a testament to his resilience and talent.
 However, the joy of his achievements was marred by the poor living conditions at the Olympic Village.
The complaints about the village are not new; previous Olympics have faced similar issues.
Athletes have often spoken out about substandard accommodations, inadequate facilities, and insufficient food.
 The Tokyo 2020 Olympics were no exception, with the pandemic adding another layer of complexity.
Organizers faced immense challenges in ensuring the safety and comfort of thousands of athletes.
 Despite their efforts, many athletes, including Ceccon, found the conditions far from satisfactory.
Ceccon’s decision to sleep outside is a stark illustration of these issues.
 His story has sparked a broader conversation about athlete welfare and the standards of Olympic accommodations.
As the Olympics progress, the focus remains on the athletes’ performances and the challenges they face off the field.
Ceccon’s nap under the tree has become symbolic of the struggle many athletes endure.
 Despite the criticism, the Olympic spirit remains strong, with athletes continuing to push their limits.
Ceccon’s experience highlights the need for better support and conditions for Olympians.
 As the world watches, the hope is that future games will learn from these challenges.
The Tokyo Olympics have been a testament to the athletes’ resilience and dedication.
While Ceccon’s story has added drama, it also underscores the importance of athlete well-being.
 As the games continue, the world will be watching not just the medals, but the stories behind them.
In the end, it’s these stories that truly capture the spirit of the Olympics, reminding us of the human element in the pursuit of greatness.