Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks superstar, recently shared an eye-opening account of his time at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, shedding light on why USA Basketball consistently opts for luxury hotels over the host city’s Olympic Village. During his appearance on the Best of Both Worlds Podcast, hosted by LSU star Flau’jae Johnson, Lillard recounted his visit to the athletes’ dorms in Tokyo. “I looked at the dorm and I was like man, I don’t know if I could stay in like I wouldn’t be able to stay in that,” he remarked, highlighting the stark contrast between the provided accommodations and the luxurious setup USA Basketball enjoys.
Cardboard beds and athlete expectations
The infamous cardboard beds of the Tokyo Olympics were a major point of contention for many athletes. Lillard expressed his astonishment at the facilities, saying, “All these athletes competing at this level for their countries, you know they spend their whole lives like coming to do this and then that’s the setup.” His comments underscore the disparity between the expectations of world-class athletes and the actual living conditions provided. The sentiment of being fortunate was evident in his reflection, “It wasn’t like a crazy negative thing, but I was just like Man, you know, we lucky! We lucky to have it laid out the way we have it laid out.” For Lillard and his teammates, adjusting to the modest accommodations of the Olympic Village would have been a significant challenge given their usual standards.
USA basketball’s financial muscle
USA Basketball’s financial prowess allows them to bypass such challenges altogether. Having generated almost $80 million in revenue in the last four years, the organization has the means to indulge in high-quality accommodations. The choice to reserve a five-star luxury hotel in Paris for the current Olympics said to be priced at $15 million, shows their financial strength. In the year of the Tokyo Olympics alone, USA Basketball generated over $30.2 million, with $15.4 million stemming from the NBA’s license and marketing agreement. This substantial income ensures that the team’s comfort and well-being are prioritized, a luxury not all athletes can afford.
Paris Olympics: repeating Tokyo’s mistakes?
The decision to avoid the Olympic Village seems justified with emerging reports about the subpar facilities at the Paris Olympic Village. Surprisingly, the cardboard beds have made a return, drawing public complaints from several athletes, including renowned gymnast Simone Biles. Biles didn’t mince words, sharing her frustration on Instagram, “The bed sucks.” The environmental approach of the rooms, lacking air conditioning and offering a predominantly vegan menu, has further driven athletes to seek alternative accommodations. This situation reinforces the rationale behind USA Basketball’s choice to invest in better living conditions, ensuring their athletes remain in peak mental and physical condition throughout the competition.
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Balancing experience and comfort
Despite the financial ease of USA Basketball, most athletes choose the Olympic Village for its unique atmosphere and the camaraderie it fosters. The shared experience of living among peers from around the world is invaluable for many. However, for the highly-paid stars of USA Basketball, the priority remains optimal performance and comfort. The struggle to balance these aspects is evident, with Lillard’s account providing a poignant reminder of the differing realities faced by athletes at the Olympics.
Damian Lillard’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the considerations behind USA Basketball’s decisions. The contrast between the cardboard beds of the Olympic Village and the five-star luxury of their accommodations speaks volumes about the importance of athlete well-being and the financial capability of the organization. As the Paris Olympics unfold, it remains clear that for USA Basketball, ensuring their athletes have the best possible environment to succeed is worth every penny of the $15 million investment.