Winter Olympics 'burns through' 10,000 condoms in three days

Italy – organizers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games are facing a medical supply shortage after all 10,000 condoms at the Cortina Athletes' Village were consumed within the first week of competition.

The La Stampa newspaper reported that the supply of free protective items at the Cortina d’Ampezzo accommodation was depleted just three days after opening. An unnamed athlete confirmed the current stock is gone, and while organizers pledged replenishment, a specific timeline remains unconfirmed. Many athletes, awaiting new supplies, light-heartedly suggested they might resort to playing PlayStation or "using their imagination" for entertainment.

Olympic rings symbol in Cortina d'Ampezzo ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. Photo: AFP.

The scarcity has fueled considerable discussion, particularly when contrasted with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. During last year's summer event, organizers supplied 300,000 items for participating teams. This year's Winter Olympics, however, offered fewer than 10,000 units for roughly 2,900 athletes, a quantity widely considered inadequate.

Under public scrutiny, Attilio Fontana, the head of the Lombardy region, stated that distributing these items is a standard medical practice, dating back to the Seoul 1988 Olympics. He stressed the primary objective is to safeguard athlete health and prevent sexually transmitted diseases, advocating for a practical approach rather than apprehension. Earlier, skater Olivia Smart posted a video showing packages of these items, marked with the Lombardy region's logo, at the accommodation.

The Cortina Athletes' Village in Fiames, featuring modern modular buildings, can house 1,400 individuals. In the Milan competition area, a rule preventing athletes of different genders from entering private rooms has boosted the popularity of "relaxation rooms." These spaces, offering privacy, soft lighting, and gentle music, provide an ideal setting for athletes to socialize post-competition.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games commenced on 6/2 and will conclude on 22/2. This event gathers athletes from over 90 countries and territories, who will compete across 116 ice and snow disciplines.