Lots of Sex Happens at the Olympics and Now We Know Why

By now, you’ve probably heard the news: a lot of sex happens at the Olympics.

It’s a known fact that since the ’80s, condoms have been handed out at the beginning of each Olympic Games, so that athletes can practise safe sex during their stay in the Village.

This year, given that COVID-19 has taken away the spontaneity of sharing bodily fluids with random babes, they’re being a little more careful. To prevent the spread of the virus during the Olympics, 150,000 condoms will be given out at the end of the Games, so athletes don’t have to miss out on a very well-deserved victory lap… in the bedroom.

It’s understandable that Tokyo officials would want to encourage athletes to keep their germs to themselves, but as former Olympian Susen Tiedtke told the New York Post, surely “sex in the Village is inevitable no matter what.”

Although I’ve never thought of the Olympics as the Spring Break of athletes, it really makes sense.

These are people at their peak, physically speaking, and have just achieved something incredible. Not only have they made it to the Olympic Games, a huge accomplishment in itself but add the fact they might’ve broken a world record or won a medal and surely those kinds of endorphins are going to make you horny.

“The athletes are at their physical peak at the Olympics. When the competition is over, they want to release their energy,” Tiedtke told the New York Post.

This got me thinking about my own experience with adrenaline and the endorphin rush that comes with performing. When I reflected on all those times I won a title at a Ballroom Dancing competition, or better still, when I imagine the after parties, it dawns on me that part of the comedown of an adrenaline rush, is feeling frisky.

“With the right amount of anticipation, adrenaline and dopamine can suppress stress and even decrease negative thoughts and feelings of guilt and stress,” explains sexologist, relationship therapist, TEDx speaker and author Tammy Nelson.

“It may contribute to a heightened awareness of our feelings and can intensify our sexual desire.”

It might have something to do with our egos. Think about the feeling of winning. It could be in any scenario: maybe you won a talent competition as a kid, or perhaps you got the part in a school musical or even an unexpected promotion at work. You could also liken it to performing, whether it be public speaking, performance art, dancing etc… that rush of excitement that’s almost indescribable but definitely linked to our adrenaline.

That feeling, although nerve-wracking and a little overwhelming at times, makes you feel invincible once you’ve achieved whatever has made you feel that way. The sense of accomplishment that comes from being critiqued and doing well, is a pretty indescribable feeling.

I would say that some of my best moments of positive self-esteem and purpose have happened after achieving something that I’m proud of. You realise that yes, you can do the damn thing, and your hard work and any sacrifice you’ve made feel worth it.

In these moments of feeling great about ourselves, it’s unsurprising that we feel like sex. Not only can I think of exact scenarios that echo this, but it also makes sense scientifically.

“Hormones like serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine are brain chemicals that influence sex drive and sexual arousal,” says Nelson.

Serotonin is the happy hormone. When you’re feeling happy, content and accomplished, your body is releasing serotonin. If you’ve just won an Olympic gold medal, for example, I reckon you’d be releasing quite a bit of serotonin.

Dopamine is the feel-good hormone. As a hormone and neurotransmitter, it’s an important part of our brain’s reward system. AKA: if you break a world record, you deserve a reward. I can’t think of many better rewards than an orgasm, or two.

“Variety in sex is super important too,” Nelson tells POPSUGAR Australia.

“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.”

The pursuit of sex is half the fun, and if I were a gorgeous Olympian at the Olympic Games right now, I would certainly be flirting with other stunning, at-the-top-of-their-game athletes too.

I, for one, would drink Caeleb Dressel’s pool water. Just sayin’.