The Rio Olympic Village hasn’t exactly been given rave reviews, but an Australian athlete has told The New Daily how mingling with Serena Williams and Usain Bolt made up for the “cosy” rooms.

Hannah Buckling, 24, represented Australia in water polo at the games, ultimately finishing in sixth place following a penalty shootout loss to Spain.

But despite the rumoured tiny beds and non-existent shower curtains, Buckling said the buzzing vibe and endless supply of choc-chip muffins and ice-cream made for a fabulous experience.

Buckling said it was difficult to sit tight during the first few days in the village, when other athletes were already competing and winning medals.

“Going in to our first game, my nerves definitely made me very emotional … I cried my eyes out as our national anthem played,” she said.

Despite having little downtime, Buckling said the team made the most of time off by heading downstairs to the “AUS Hub” to snack on Milo and watch “endless Olympic coverage” (don’t worry, even the athletes have to watch it on TV).

“The AOC also supplied a table tennis table, which is great to keep us entertained,” she said.

Despite Australian chef de mission Kitty Chiller detailing blocked toilets, leaking pipes, exposed wiring, darkened stairwells where no lighting has been installed and dirty floors,” Buckling didn’t seem fazed by the controversial accommodation.

She did admit that her apartment – which squeezed in seven athletes – was “cosy”.

“But after four years of travelling together, living in each other’s pockets, you learn how to work around each other,” she said.

“Shout-out to my room mate Iso Bishop, she only snores a little!”

“Everyone in the village is on famous athlete watch.

“Rafael Nadal said ‘Hi’ to me … I saw Usain Bolt from across the dining hall and got a photo with Serena and Venus Williams.”

She said Venus, currently the less dominant of the pair, was happy to sit and chat.

The Australian team was forced to rally after a number of the women contracted gastro during a training camp in Montenegro.

One athlete still hadn’t recovered by the time they arrive at the village, but Buckling claimed it hadn’t “rattled” the team.