The Winter Olympic Village of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina has run out of free condoms just three days before the start of the competition, according to a report by the Italian newspaper La Stampa. This situation surprised the athletes, who noted the scarcity of condoms compared to previous editions.
In the Winter Olympic Village, initially less than 10,000 units were distributed for around 3,000 participating athletes. This contrasts with the 2024 Paris Olympics, where 300,000 condoms were handed out, equivalent to about two per athlete per day. The organizers confirmed that they will restock soon, although without a precise date.
Condom tradition in the Winter Olympic Village since 1988
The governor of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, defended the practice on social media: “Yes, we provide free condoms to athletes. It’s an initiative to raise awareness about the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It shouldn’t be a source of shame.” This tradition began at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, as a key health measure in the Olympic villages.
The Spanish figure skater Olivia Smart went viral on Instagram with a video showing the official condoms with the logo of the Lombardy Region. Historically, the Winter Games have maintained this distribution, although with adjusted figures; for example, in 2022 Beijing, around 20,000 units were handed out, according to data from the International Olympic Committee.
Life in the Winter Olympic Village
The Winter Olympic Village offers not only training areas, but also recreational spaces like a large gym, pool tables, air hockey, a piano, and vending machines with Coca-Cola and Innocent Drinks for free. These amenities aim to balance the intense athletic routine with moments of leisure.
Historical context of condoms in the Olympics
- Seoul 1988: Start of massive distribution due to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
- Sydney 2000: 70,000 condoms for 10,500 athletes.
- London 2012: 150,000 units, including lubricants.
- Rio 2016: 450,000 condoms and 175,000 lubricant packs.
Experts in public health highlight that this tradition reduces risks in high-contact social environments like the Winter Olympic Village. For Milan-Cortina 2026, the initial demand exceeded expectations, reflecting the vitality of the athletes. The organizers prioritize restocking to ensure health during the Games. In the Winter Olympic Village, this news underscores the continued importance of preventive measures in global events.
