In an unexpected turn of events at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, the supply of condoms in the Olympic Village has reportedly run dry after only three days of competition. According to reports, athletes have already scooped up nearly 10,000 condoms, leaving organizers scrambling to restock for the nearly 2,000 competitors staying across six villages.
Safe Sex Campaign Meets High Demand
The shortage comes despite organizers' efforts to promote safe sexual health among athletes with the slogan "Health first: Prevention and common sense." Condoms were distributed in packets featuring the Lombardy Region logo, as highlighted by Spanish figure skater Olivia Smart in an Instagram video where she noted, "They have everything you need."
Athlete Reactions and Temporary Solutions
An anonymous athlete told Italian newspaper La Stampa, "The supplies sold out in just three days. They promised us more will arrive but who knows when." In the meantime, athletes are finding creative ways to pass the time while awaiting a resupply. "You have to use your imagination," the athlete added, mentioning that many are turning to PlayStation games during their downtime.
Historical Context of Olympic Condom Distribution
Providing condoms has been a staple of Olympic Games since the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. For comparison, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris made 300,000 condoms available to athletes, down from 450,000 at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. While Summer Games typically host about five times more athletes, the per-person allocation at Milano-Cortina pales in comparison—athletes have received an average of just two condoms each so far, versus around 20 per athlete in Paris.
Upgraded Accommodations and Past Practices
Interestingly, the beds at this year's Winter Olympics represent a significant upgrade from previous editions. During the 2024 Paris Games, beds were made from cardboard to promote sustainability, while the Tokyo Games used similar designs to hinder intimacy due to COVID-19 concerns. This year's more comfortable accommodations might be contributing to the heightened demand for condoms.
Irony of Timing and Future Outlook
The condom shortage was reported on International Condoms Day, observed annually on February 13 to promote condom use for preventing unplanned pregnancies and reducing STI transmission. As of now, organizers have not commented on when more condoms will be back in stock, leaving athletes in a temporary lurch. With the Games ongoing, the situation highlights the challenges of balancing health initiatives with the realities of athlete needs in a high-energy environment.
