A former Olympian has opened up about why the Olympic Village sees such high levels of sexual activity during the games.
It might sound strange to those on the outside, but it appears that athletes develop a tendency to let loose a bit too much when they are isolated from the outside world during those intense two weeks of competition.
Since the 1980s, condoms have been distributed at the start of each Olympic Games to ensure that athletes stay safe when engaging in sexual activities, even though the organization discourages it.
Referred to as the pinnacle of sports, athletes are known for their commitment to competing, which demands incredibly busy and often unreasonable training schedules throughout the year.
There is a reason behind why athletes have so much sex during the Olympics.Maja Hitij/Getty Images
This leaves them with little time for social activities.
With COVID no longer a concern as it was in Tokyo in 2021, some athletes are likely excited about the opportunity to be enclosed with other sports enthusiasts.
Former Olympian Susen Tiedtke told the New York Post in July 2021 that sex at the Olympics is “inevitable no matter what.”
While outsiders might not see it as a typical vacation, it increasingly seems that way for the athletes who have dedicated the last four years to reaching this point.
Competing on such a grand stage—and perhaps even winning a medal or setting a new record—can significantly increase hormonal activity as the endorphins released are sure to skyrocket one’s sex drive.
Tiedtke, a German former long jumper who participated in the 1992 and 2000 Olympics, shared:
“The athletes are at their physical peak at the Olympics. When the competition is over, they want to release their energy.”
Susen Tiedtke is a German former long jumper who competed in the Olympics in 1992 and 2000.BONGARTS/Lutz-Bongarts/Getty Images
Sex expert and relationship therapist Tammy Nelson provided some scientific insights, noting:
“With the right amount of anticipation, adrenaline and dopamine can suppress stress and even reduce negative thoughts and feelings of guilt and stress.
“It may contribute to a heightened awareness of our feelings and can intensify our sexual desire.”
This boost in confidence and the rush of adrenaline from doing something significant—like performing, delivering a major presentation, or succeeding at an event—makes you feel incredible after achieving it.
Reflecting on this, it’s perhaps not so shocking that feeling great about oneself can lead to the desire to express that energy through sex.
Winning a medal can be one of the biggest achievements of an athlete’s career, bringing unprecedented levels of happiness.Getty Stock Photo
Nelson elaborated further: “Hormones like serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine are brain chemicals that influence sex drive and sexual arousal.”
Serotonin, the happiness hormone, gets released when you feel pleased and accomplished.
Now, imagine the serotonin surge after winning an Olympic gold medal—it would be off the charts.
Dopamine, known as the ‘feel-good’ hormone and neurotransmitter, is vital to the brain’s reward system, and your body releases it in abundance when you achieve something like setting a new Olympic or World record.
Nelson also stressed the importance of ‘variety in sex’, which might explain why athletes seem to treat the Olympic Village like a spring break destination.
“Sexual variety can increase the releases of adrenaline, dopamine, and other chemicals that contribute to thrill and adventure and may, for some, make the pursuit of sex more rewarding,” she concluded.
The Paris 2024 Olympics are set to begin this Friday (26 July).
