- By Akansha Pandey
- Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The adrenaline of the Winter Olympics isn't just limited to the slopes. In a surprising development from the Milano Cortina Games, organisers have reported that their initial supply of 10,000 condoms has already been exhausted in first three days, despite over a week of competition still remaining.
Record Demand At Athlete Village
Continuing a long-standing Olympic tradition aimed at promoting safe relationships among thousands of young, energetic athletes living in close proximity, organisers distributed 10,000 prophylactics across city hotels and mountain accommodation sites. However, last week, the dispensers were found empty.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesman Mark Adams addressed the shortage with a touch of humor during a press conference:
"Clearly, this shows Valentine's Day is in full swing at the village. Ten thousand have been used by 2,800 athletes—you can do the math. It is practically Rule 62 of the Olympic Charter that we must have a condom story: Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together."
Athletes at the Milano Cortina Games seem to have embraced Valentine’s week with their trademark Olympic intensity, racing through their free supply of condoms to leave dispensers empty before the big day itself https://t.co/8aOkQCoOon pic.twitter.com/SxCxd9Iz5a
— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) February 14, 2026
Souvenirs Or Socialising?
While the demand has caught officials off guard, athletes suggest the "shortage" might not just be due to activity within the village. Mialitiana Clerc, an alpine skier representing Madagascar, noted that the boxes at the entrance of every building were being cleared out daily.
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"I know a lot of people are using them, but many are also taking them as gifts for friends outside the Olympics," Clerc explained. The branded packaging often makes them a unique, unofficial souvenir of the Games.
A Recurring Olympic Trend
This isn't the first time an Olympic host city has struggled to keep up with demand. History shows that condom shortages have become an almost routine sub-plot of the Games. While athletes are the primary focus, the massive influx of international visitors and spectators also contributes significantly to the consumption, leading to a total collapse of the supply chain during the peak of the event.
Milano Cortina organisers have acknowledged the "higher-than-anticipated demand" and told USA Today that they are currently in the process of restocking the dispensers to ensure the social side of the Games remains safe.
